Title: National Security Victory: USCIS Assists in Arrest of Two Minnesota Men Accused of Directing Al-Shabaab Terror
Date: October 26, 2023
A significant step in combating international terrorism was announced today with the arrest and federal charging of two Minnesota men accused of orchestrating and funding heinous acts of kidnapping, bombings, and killings overseas. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) played a pivotal role in the multi-year, multi-agency investigation that led to these crucial arrests, underscoring the U.S. government’s unwavering commitment to national security.
Abdullahi Ahmed Jama, 36, and Abdulrahman Bashir, 36, both residents of Minneapolis, face serious federal charges, including conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization resulting in death, and conspiring to commit hostage-taking, bombing, and murder. According to court documents unsealed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, Jama and Bashir allegedly provided financial support and specific directives to al-Shabaab, a designated foreign terrorist organization, for their operations in Somalia between 2011 and 2021. These alleged actions included the direction of a specific kidnapping that culminated in the murder of an individual targeted for perceived opposition to al-Shabaab.
USCIS Director Ur M. Jaddou emphasized the agency's vital contribution, stating, “These arrests demonstrate the critical role USCIS plays in identifying and investigating individuals who pose national security threats. We are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure the safety and security of the American people and to bring to justice those who would fund and direct such heinous acts of terrorism.” This highlights USCIS’s integral function beyond immigration services, extending into robust counter-terrorism efforts and safeguarding the nation from internal and external threats.
The comprehensive investigation was a collaborative effort, spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew R. Winter and Matthew J. Howell for the District of Minnesota, along with Trial Attorney Phil Gambarini of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section, are prosecuting this complex case, showcasing the unified federal response to international terrorism.
If convicted, Jama and Bashir face severe penalties, including potential life imprisonment for their alleged roles in supporting a foreign terrorist organization and conspiring to commit acts of extreme violence. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the persistent threats posed by foreign terrorist organizations like al-Shabaab and the relentless dedication of U.S. federal agencies to dismantle their networks and hold their facilitators accountable, thereby protecting both American citizens and international stability. The U.S. Attorney’s Office reminds the public that these are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This ongoing commitment reinforces the U.S. government's resolve to uphold national security and the rule of law globally.
