Kashmir-Born Filmmaker Arfat Sheikh Detained by ICE in US
Supporters say the Kashmiri filmmaker has a pending immigration application and a GoFundMe has raised more than $19,000 for his release.
- Arfat Sheikh, a 42-year-old Kashmiri filmmaker, remains held at the Caroline Detention Facility in Virginia ahead of a bond hearing following his September 24 detention by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents at Washington Dulles International Airport.
- Agents detained Sheikh without a warrant while he was en route to an "Art as Resistance" panel in Washington, D.C.; friends claim he presented valid immigration paperwork, including a student visa, during the encounter.
- Sheikh's award-winning film, "Saffron Kingdom," explores displacement and generational trauma, reflecting his personal history after his father's forced disappearance in India more than 20 years ago.
- Supporters have raised more than $19,000 toward a $50,000 legal defense fund via the "Free Arfat Sheikh" campaign, which asserts the filmmaker is authorized to live and work in the United States.
- Under the Donald Trump administration, ICE faces increasing criticism from activists for aggressive enforcement tactics, operations which have sparked federal civil lawsuits and widespread protests across several states.
40 Articles
40 Articles
Award-winning filmmaker detained by immigration officials in US
An award-winning filmmaker from Kashmir who legally entered the U.S. and sought asylum has been detained by federal immigration officials, according to his family and supporters. Arfat Sheikh was arrested Sept. 24 at Washington Dulles International Airport after arriving on a flight from California, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed. The agency said in a…
Award-winning Kashmiri filmmaker is detained by U.S. immigration authorities
An award-winning filmmaker whose work has explored conflict in his native Kashmir has been detained by U.S. immigration officials after legally coming to the United States to study and later claiming asylum, his family and friends said Wednesday.
Award-winning Kashmiri filmmaker Arfat Sheikh detained in US
Kashmir-born filmmaker Arfat Sheikh, 42, has been detained by US immigration officials after legally coming to the United States to study and later claiming asylum, his family and friends said on Wednesday.
Arfat Sheikh was detected by ICE agents in Washington on September 24, it was confirmed on Wednesday. Officials say he "illelegally overstayed his lawful
Deutsche Welle
tempo.coUS: Award-winning Kashmiri filmmaker detained
Arfat Sheikh was detained by ICE agents in Washington on September 24, it was confirmed on Wednesday. Officials say he "illegally overstayed his lawful admittance" as US President Trump pursues an immigration clampdown.
Lexington Herald Leader
Award-winning Kashmiri filmmaker Arfat Sheikh detained by US immigration authorities
WASHINGTON, Oct 7 (Reuters) - An award-winning filmmaker whose work has explored conflict in his native Kashmir has been detained by US immigration officials after legally coming to the United States to study and later claiming asylum, his family and friends said on Wednesday.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 52% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
