A Tajik national residing illegally in Brooklyn, New York, has been arrested on charges of providing support to ISIS, firearms violations, and immigration fraud. The individual, identified as 33-year-old Mansuri Manuchekhri, allegedly facilitated $70,000 in payments to ISIS affiliates in Turkey and Syria. These funds were purportedly intended to support families of deceased ISIS fighters.
Manuchekhri entered the United States on a tourist visa in 2016 and overstayed, subsequently engaging in a sham marriage with an American woman in an attempt to obtain legal status. In addition to financial support, he reportedly trained with assault rifles at shooting ranges within the U.S. and expressed his readiness to act on behalf of ISIS.
U.S. Attorney John Durham commented, saying, “As alleged, the defendant, who was in the United States illegally, not only facilitated tens of thousands of dollars in contributions to ISIS extremists overseas, but trained with assault rifles at shooting ranges in the United States and declared his readiness to ISIS.”
The investigation was initiated following a tip from Manuchekhri’s ex-wife, who reported his fraudulent marriage and potential for violence. Upon arrest, he was charged with conspiring to provide material support to ISIS, possessing firearms as an illegal immigrant, and committing immigration fraud. If convicted, Manuchekhri faces up to 45 years in prison.
This case highlights the serious national security risks posed by illegal immigration and weak border enforcement. Allowing individuals with potential terrorist ties to remain in the country unchecked endangers American lives. Authorities stress the importance of strong immigration policies to prevent threats from taking root within U.S. borders.
