By Abbie Black

SAN DIEGO — An Afghan ally who served alongside U.S. forces during the war in Afghanistan is speaking publicly since his release from immigration detention, saying he still believes in America despite spending more than three months in federal custody.

Sayed Naser was released last week after a federal judge dismissed his case and ordered his immediate release, ruling that the government had violated his right to due process. The judge also barred U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from detaining Naser again without further court approval.

"I was in a detention center. These 100 days were the hardest days of my life," Naser said Thursday, surrounded by his attorney and advocates. "I'm so happy that I'm free."

Naser's case drew international attention after ICE agents arrested him on June 12 following a routine immigration hearing. Cellphone video from immigration advocate, Urvil Patel, captured Naser telling agents he had worked for the U.S. military in Afghanistan and had documentation to prove it.

"I never expected to be detained in the United States of America because I was a U.S. government ally back in my home country," Naser said.

Naser arrived in the U.S. in 2024 through a CBP One appointment, a legal pathway for asylum seekers. His attorney, Brian McGoldrick, said Naser was targeted because he had been in the country less than two years, part of what McGoldrick characterized as an effort to meet detention quotas rather than evaluate individual cases.

"It's important for us to keep this story in front of the American public so that we can finally come to some resolution about these kinds of detentions," McGoldrick said.

Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., who represents San Diego, said he met Naser during a tour of the Otay Mesa Detention Center and was relieved to learn of his release.

"Sayed is one of so many who put their lives on the line alongside our soldiers and Marines in Afghanistan, and it is reprehensible that we are now treating our allies like criminals," Peters said in a statement. "We need long-term solutions like the Afghan Adjustment Act and the Enduring Welcome Act to guarantee legal status for our Afghan allies and ensure they have the support they need to rebuild their lives in the U.S."

Peters also thanked U.S. District Judge Gonzalo Curiel for facilitating Naser's release and praised AfghanEvac for its advocacy work.

Shawn VanDiver, president of AfghanEvac, a nonprofit that supports the resettlement of Afghan allies, said the ruling has implications beyond one man's case.

"We mustn't let a punitive and vengeful administration cow us into silence," VanDiver said. "We must speak out and be willing to stand up for those who cannot use their own voices."

Naser now holds a valid work permit while he awaits an asylum hearing, though no date has been set. His brother was recently granted asylum. Naser said the Taliban has threatened his family.

Despite his ordeal, Naser said his faith in America remains intact.

"I still believe in America. I do not feel betrayed," he said. "I feel hopeful because of how many Americans stood up for me when I was arrested. Thousands of Americans raised their voices and stood by my side. That's why America is a great country."

ICE referred requests for comment to the Department of Homeland Security, which did not respond.

An ICE spokesperson provided a statement regarding courthouse arrests, saying they are permitted under interim guidance issued in January and are conducted "to minimize their impact on court proceedings" and keep "the American people safe."