US Homeland Security Detains Alleged Saddam-Era Intelligence Officer in Michigan

The US Department of Homeland Security has announced the detention of a Michigan man identified as a former intelligence officer under the regime of Saddam Hussein. Raad Alanbagi was taken into custody following an investigation that revealed his associations with the former Iraqi dictator's government, according to a statement published on X by Homeland Security Investigations on Sunday.

"HSI continues to safeguard our communities and national security," the organization stated, characterizing Mr Alanbagi as a "high-ranking" former official. Historically, Iraq’s security apparatus served as a vital tool for state control during the rule of Saddam, utilizing overlapping agencies to suppress internal opposition.

At the time of the arrest, details regarding Mr Alanbagi's immigration status or his entry into the US remained unclear, and no federal indictment appeared on government databases for Michigan. The National has reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for further information.

Under the Immigration and Naturalisation Act, individuals linked to totalitarian parties generally face US inadmissibility. Furthermore, providing false statements on visa or citizenship applications can lead to status revocation, deportation, and permanent entry bans.

This case is part of broader US enforcement efforts concerning individuals associated with the former Iraqi government. A similar action occurred in 2020, when former colonel Saad Al Qaysy received three years of probation and lost his US citizenship after convictions for making false statements to secure it.