ICE: Turkish National Arrested for Violent Resistance in Western New York
A Turkish national accused of violently resisting arrest and attempting to seize an officer’s taser in a confrontation in Western New York has been taken into custody by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to a statement released by ICE on Tuesday, the suspect, identified as Saim Irgi, 39, allegedly fought with officers and shouted the Arabic phrase “Allahu akbar” – “God is great” – during the struggle before being subdued and arrested.
Prior to Irgi’s arrest, officers in Buffalo were conducting a targeted operation in Tonawanda when they observed a vehicle leaving a residence connected to their investigation that day.
After following the car and initiating a stop, officers identified the driver as Saim Irgi, a Turkish citizen who officials say is in the US illegally.
Despite repeated orders from officers to exit the vehicle, Irgi refused to comply. An ICE officer drew their taser and warned Irgi multiple times that he would be tasered if he continued to resist.
During the attempt to place Irgi in custody, officials allege that he grabbed an officer’s taser while yelling “Allahu Akbar.” Another officer then deployed their taser to gain control of the suspect.
Following the incident, Irgi was taken to the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility, where he was cleared for detention by medical staff.
Authorities revealed that Irgi has a history of criminal charges since illegally crossing the southern border in July 2023.
According to ICE, US Border Patrol agents first encountered Irgi near Jamul, California, after he crossed the border from Mexico. He was released into the country pending further immigration proceedings.
In March, police in Pennsauken, New Jersey, arrested Irgi on charges of simple assault, which were later dismissed. On the same day, Philadelphia police arrested him on charges including strangling, simple assault, and recklessly endangering another person.
ICE Buffalo acting Field Office Director Tammy Marich described Irgi as “a significant public safety threat” and stated that officers will continue to work diligently to arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from the United States.
Following Monday’s arrest, Irgi remains in ICE custody as removal proceedings are ongoing.
