Former Iraqi refugee living in Texas pleads guilty to conspiring to support ISIS
Former Iraqi refugee Abdulrahman Mohammed Hafedh Alqaysi has pleaded guilty to conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State group, as announced by the Justice Department. Alqaysi, 28, admitted to creating logos for ISIS’ media wing, the Kalachnikov team, and sending hacking videos and instructions to ISIS members between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, he confessed to providing stolen credit card information and forging identity documents for the designated terrorist group.
Currently a legal permanent resident in Richmond, Texas, Alqaysi will remain in custody until his sentencing on June 5. He could face up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000 for his crimes. This guilty plea comes at a time when the Trump administration has been intensifying efforts to scrutinize the vetting process for refugees.
In January, President Donald Trump signed executive orders suspending the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and enhancing the vetting of refugees, particularly those from regions with security risks. One of the orders, the Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program, mandates that refugees be admitted on a case-by-case basis if they do not pose a national security threat.
Vice President JD Vance has also expressed concerns about the vetting process for refugees, citing a case in which an Afghan national was arrested in 2024 for planning a terrorist attack on Election Day on behalf of ISIS. Vance emphasized the importance of ensuring that all foreign nationals are properly vetted before entering the country.
A spokesperson for Vance did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on Alqaysi’s guilty plea. It is crucial to remain vigilant in vetting refugees to prevent individuals with malicious intent from entering the country and posing a threat to national security. The Justice Department’s efforts to prosecute individuals like Alqaysi who provide support to terrorist organizations are essential in safeguarding the nation against potential threats.
