A federal judge has ordered the immediate release of a disabled U.S. Army veteran who had been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington. Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry, who has lived in the United States since 2000, was held in custody since August 21, following a scheduled citizenship interview at the Tukwila U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services office.
Chaudhry’s detention raised significant concerns, particularly regarding the serious medical issues he faced while in custody. His family and advocates reported inadequate medical treatment during his four months in detention. By approximately 17:00 on Monday, Chaudhry was released and reunited with his wife, Melissa Chaudhry.
Judge Rules Detention Unlawful
During a hearing, U.S. District Chief Judge David G. Estudillo determined that Chaudhry’s detention was unlawful, stating that he had not been afforded the proper process prior to his arrest. Estudillo emphasized that the failure to follow procedures surrounding Chaudhry’s detention was troubling. He indicated that, under the ruling, Chaudhry would be permitted to return home while his immigration case remains unresolved.
“It’s a good day for justice in America, but this should have never happened in the first place,” Chaudhry remarked after his release, highlighting the broader implications of his case for all American citizens.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Lambert, who represented the government, conceded that Chaudhry should have received prior notification before his arrest, allowing him the opportunity to contest the basis for his detention. Estudillo’s ruling specified that ICE officials could not re-detain Chaudhry without providing written notice and a chance to respond.
Background on Chaudhry’s Case
Chaudhry’s legal struggles have been ongoing for nearly two decades. He first applied for citizenship in April 2004, citing his military service. However, his application was complicated by a criminal conviction for fraud in Australia, which he disclosed in his citizenship application. This conviction raised concerns among immigration officials, who argued that he had previously failed to mention it in other applications.
Despite his history of service, including participation on former Governor Jay Inslee’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment, Chaudhry faced challenges in securing his citizenship. In August 2008, an immigration judge denied his naturalization application, leading to ICE’s attempt to deport him the following year. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a stay of removal in 2020, preventing his deportation while his case is under review.
Chaudhry’s situation has sparked outrage among supporters, who emphasize his contributions to the community and the importance of ensuring fair treatment for individuals within the immigration system. His wife, Melissa, who ran for Congress in 2024, expressed gratitude for the judge’s decision and reaffirmed their faith in the legal process.
Chaudhry’s ongoing immigration status remains contingent on the decision of the 9th Circuit Court, which is expected to convene in January to deliberate his case. “They could order him deported, or they could order him naturalized back to 2003. We don’t know,” Melissa Chaudhry stated. “But he will be home with us when we find that out.”
The conditions at the Tacoma detention center have come under scrutiny, with reports detailing severe medical neglect and unsanitary living conditions. Judge Estudillo expressed concern regarding Chaudhry’s health care during his detention, noting that he had not seen an ophthalmologist for over four months despite suffering from impaired vision due to thyroid eye disease.
As the Chaudhry family looks to the future, their case highlights broader issues within the immigration system and the potential for reform to ensure that such injustices do not recur.
