Spotlight: Hudson Valley Rallies Behind Refugee Detained by ICE

The Hudson Valley is rallying behind a community member they say has been wrongfully detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Ali, a current Ulster County resident with no criminal record, arrived in the United States in 2022 after fleeing from threats by the Taliban against his family in Afghanistan. Family said Ali was attending a "routine" immigration hearing for asylum when he was detained by ICE.

Afghan Refugees Fleeing Taliban Living in the Hudson Valley

Ali's decision to move to the Hudson Valley was fueled by groups like Afghan Circle of the Hudson Valley, New Paltz for Refugees, and other community organizations dedicated to welcoming asylum-seekers fleeing dangerous situations in their home countries. Now it's these groups, as well as local churches and Hudson Valley residents, who are stepping up to help.

Read More: Afghan Circle of the Hudson Valley Helping Asylum-Seekers 

Afghan Refugee Living in the Hudson Valley Detained by ICE

"A locally resettled Afghan refugee and beloved community member was detained last week by ICE at a routine immigration hearing", reads the opening line of a recent GoFundMe campaign that has been set up to help support Ali and his family. The post continued by noting that the fund will help Ali navigate the "deeply disturbing" detention.

Support for Local Afghan Refugee Detained by ICE

Christ the King Episcopal Church in Stone Ridge, NY shared that one of the reasons for the passionate response to Ali's detention was due to how quickly he and his family became outstanding members of their new Hudson Valley community. A recent vigil (above) was attended by hundreds of people, including representatives for Representative Pat Ryan and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

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Hudson Valley residents can find Ali's GoFundMe campaign HERE. As of publishing, the campaign has raised over $28,000 of their $40,000 goal. Updates from Christ the King Episcopal Church can be found HERE.