Iranian man who refused arrest captured after missing ICE appointment
A recently deported Iranian man who was living in the United States illegally was apprehended in Texas this week, according to federal prosecutors. Jamil Bahlouli was discovered at a residence in Austin where deportation officers were attempting to take him into custody as part of a 2020 removal order after he failed to attend an appointment at an immigration office, as per the Justice Department.
When authorities located Bahlouli at the entrance of his home, he resisted arrest by purposefully obstructing his deportation and departure in accordance with the outstanding final order of removal. He slammed the door on the deportation officers, as stated in court documents.
Bahlouli had voluntarily left for Canada on October 14, 2021, after the removal order was issued. However, he illegally re-entered the United States sometime later and was found around December 15, 2023. The original 2020 removal order was then reinstated to deport him for a second time, as reported by the Justice Department.
He has been charged with failure to deport. Bahlouli faced charges of illegal re-entry and information with illegal entry, for which he was convicted in Montana on January 5, 2024, according to court records. After serving his sentence, he was released back into the United States. Bahlouli was supposed to report to an ICE office in San Antonio on January 23, 2024, but failed to appear, authorities said.
He could potentially face up to four years in prison for his actions. The case is currently under investigation by ICE.
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by immigration enforcement agencies in dealing with individuals who repeatedly violate immigration laws. It also highlights the complexities and legal ramifications involved in cases of illegal entry and deportation. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
