Afghan Refugee in the U.S. Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison
Tawazon – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says that an Afghan man, Abdullah Haji Zada, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being arrested on October 7, 2024 for planning a terrorist attack.
According to the department’s security investigation, Haji Zada given legal status by the Biden administration, were arrested and prosecuted for plotting a terrorist attack in Oklahoma City for Election Day 2024. They possessed hundreds of rounds of ammunition and had pledged their allegiance to ISIS.
Court documents show that his case concluded on November 19, 2025, when a federal court formally sentenced him to 15 years in prison.The Department of Homeland Security said that after serving his sentence, Haji Zada will be removed from the United States because his legal residency has been revoked
“Tens of thousands of unvetted Afghan aliens have hurt and terrorized Americans after the Biden administration flooded our communities with criminals, terrorists, and other threats,” U.S. Homeland Security said.
The department added that the case highlights the ongoing need for security monitoring following the large-scale relocation of Afghan allies after 2021. Thousands of Afghans were brought to the U.S. under the Operation Allies Welcome program, but according to the department, full biometric checks, backgrond reviews, and security screenings were not completed for everyone. Officials say continued evaluation and monitoring remain necessary in such large resettlement processes.