USCIS Assists in Investigation of Palestinians Charged with Unlawful Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

TAMPA, Fla. – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provided valuable assistance in the investigation that led to the arrest and unsealing of indictments charging Mohammed Aburidi 24, a Palestinian, and Tareq Aburidi, 19, also a Palestinian, with possessing firearms and ammunition as aliens admitted to the United States on nonimmigrant visas. If convicted, each faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

According to the indictments, on Nov. 26, 2024, Mohammed Aburidi and Tareq Aburidi possessed firearms and ammunition after being admitted to the United States on nonimmigrant visas. An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with critical assistance from USCIS’ Tampa Asylum Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Risha Asokan.

USCIS asylum officers are on the front lines of safeguarding the security and integrity of our immigration system. Working hand in hand with law enforcement and national security agencies, USCIS officers provide critical fraud detection and deterrence, public safety and national security screenings, as well vital information and intelligence to partner agencies in cases like this involving aliens who break the law.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

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