HOUSTON – A 28-year-old former refugee and legal permanent resident has pleaded guilty to federal charges of aiding the Islamic State (ISIS) in a case supported by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Abdulrahman Mohammed Hafedh Alqaysi admitted in U.S. District Court that he conspired to provide material support to the designated terrorist organization between 2015 and 2020. According to court documents, Alqaysi used his computer skills to assist ISIS by designing logos for its media arm, the Kalachnikov team, and supplying hacking tutorials, stolen credit card details, and forged identity documents.
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Houston Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from USCIS’ Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) unit. FDNS officers work to identify immigration-related security threats and prevent benefits from being granted to individuals who endanger public safety.
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea, and Alqaysi now faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5. He remains in federal custody.
Key Points:
- Charges: Conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.
- Investigation: Joint effort by FBI task force and USCIS’ FDNS.
- Potential Penalty: 20-year maximum prison term, $250K fine.
USCIS emphasized its commitment to protecting national security by vetting applicants and collaborating with law enforcement agencies.
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