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Why Somali referee was denied entry - US official

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Context piece
  • A Somali referee, Omar Artan, was denied entry into the U.S. due to security concerns, including alleged links to suspected terrorists.
  • Artan, Africa's referee of the year, was set to be the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals.
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection cited "derogatory information" making him ineligible under the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States at Miami International Airport, despite holding a diplomatic passport and a U.S. visa. A U.S. official stated the denial was based on security concerns discovered during border inspection, citing "derogatory information" that included alleged associations with suspected members of terrorist organizations.

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.

— U.S. Customs and Border Protection officialExplaining the reason for denying entry to the Somali referee.

This information rendered Artan ineligible for entry under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The official also referenced a broader security policy under the Trump administration, which prohibits the admission of individuals deemed potential security risks. Artan, recognized as Africa's referee of the year in 2025, was poised to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup finals.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated that Artan was refused admission and provided with immigration forms detailing the section of law used for expedited removal. A source from the Trump administration emphasized that the administration would not permit any security threat into the country. Somalia is among the 12 countries subject to a travel ban previously introduced by President Donald Trump.

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.

— U.S. Customs and Border Protection officialDetailing the process following the denial of entry.

Artan was reportedly seeking admission to the United States when CBP discovered the information during further inspection. The CBP indicated that the traveler was refused admission and given immigration forms specifying the legal basis for the expedited removal under Section 8235 of the INA.

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

— Trump administration sourceStating the U.S. policy on security threats.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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