Governor Ned Lamont said on April 20 that he is relieved by the release of Rihan, a senior at Cheshire High School, from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. Rihan had been detained since April 6, despite entering the United States legally with his family under a humanitarian visa due to his father Zia’s service as a translator for U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
The case has drawn attention to immigration enforcement practices and their impact on families who have aided American efforts abroad. Governor Lamont said the situation was unjust and called for federal authorities to review their actions.
“I am relieved that Rihan is finally being reunited with his family, although it was categorically wrong that he was ever detained by ICE in the first place. Nor should his father, Zia, have been detained last year. Rihan and Zia are not people who slipped through a bureaucratic crack – they are here lawfully, and more than that, they are here because they risked their lives in Afghanistan to protect American soldiers. I ask ICE and DHS to immediately cease their cruel targeting of this family and to reinstate the humanitarian visa under which the family entered this country legally,” Lamont said.
Lamont also acknowledged support from political leaders, advocates, and community members: “I am deeply proud to stand alongside the other political leaders, advocates, and community members who refused to let this family be forgotten. But let us be clear: what was done to Rihan and Zia was wrong, and their case is not an exception. ICE’s pattern of reckless, inhumane detention has torn apart too many families and destroyed too many lives. That fight is far from over, and I will not stop fighting for justice.”
Addressing Rihan directly in his statement about future aspirations toward becoming a physician, Lamont added: “To Rihan, I say this: what you and your family have endured is not fair… Connecticut is lucky to have you… Your community is behind you…and the best chapters of your story are still ahead.”
The governor’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns about federal immigration enforcement policies affecting lawful residents with ties to U.S military operations.
