Somali referee denied U.S. entry over alleged terror links

Omar Artan, a 34-year-old Somali referee, was denied entry into the United States on Monday. U.S. officials cited his alleged association with suspected members of terror organizations as the reason for his ineligibility. Artan, who was slated to be the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals, arrived at Miami International Airport with a diplomatic passport and a U.S. visa.

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This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP (Custom and Border Protection), derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organisations, was discovered making the traveller ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Despite holding these documents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection discovered "derogatory information" that made him inadmissible under the Immigration and Nationality Act. A Trump administration source stated that the U.S. would not permit any security threat to enter the country. Artan was reportedly informed of the specific section of law used for his expedited removal.

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The traveller was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA.

Artan returned to Somalia on Wednesday, where he was met by government officials, the Somali Football Federation, and fellow referees. He later met with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud at the Presidential Palace. The BBC reported that Artan told The New York Times he had been questioned about links to the Somali militant group Al-Shabab and denied any knowledge of the group.

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President Trump’s administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country – full stop.