The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disclosed the alarming criminal history of Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry, a Pakistani national who served in the U.S. military but was later found to have committed multiple crimes in Australia and made false claims about his military service. Chaudhry entered the United States on a B-2 visa in 1998 and failed to disclose his criminal record, including theft, passport fraud, and financial misconduct. He also falsely claimed to have been deployed to Iraq, despite Department of Defense records showing no such deployment.
DHS officials have criticized Chaudhry for his fraudulent behavior, stating that illegal migrants cannot serve in the military and that individuals must hold legal status to join the armed forces. The Department of Veterans Affairs has reportedly issued Chaudry a substantial amount of benefits, totaling over $449,000, with some payments still owing to the federal government. Despite immigration authorities finding his false applications warrant removal in 2008, Chaudhry’s appeals have continued for over 17 years, leading to his current detention by ICE.
Protests have erupted in Seattle following Chaudry’s arrest, with demonstrators demanding his release. Meanwhile, political figures, including DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, have accused Democrats of falsely portraying Chaudhry as a victim, emphasizing that criminal illegal aliens are a threat to U.S. law enforcement. The controversy highlights ongoing debates over immigration policy and the treatment of individuals with criminal histories who seek residency in the United States.