U.S. immigration authorities deported a group of eight Somali men, including Adam Abdullah, 31, who had been held at Guantanamo Bay for about a month. Abdullah was arrested on December 12 as part of Operation Metro Surge while he was working legally as an auto mechanic and awaiting the outcome of his asylum application. He arrived in the United States in early 2023 and had no criminal record apart from two parking tickets.
After his arrest, Abdullah was moved between detention centers in Minnesota, Kentucky, and Louisiana before being sent to Guantanamo in late August. During his time at the military prison, he described being held under heavy security with limited information about his situation. Abdullah reported that he and the other detainees were allowed one hour of exercise each day and were put in chains when escorted to the telephone area. He stated that they began a hunger strike due to the lack of answers from guards, which led to him being placed in solitary confinement.
Abdullah expressed relief at being back in Somalia after more than three years away, although he faced challenges readjusting to life there. He mentioned that he was unable to contact his family during his detention and learned of his mother's illness shortly before her death, but authorities denied his request for voluntary departure to see her.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) referred to the men as "the worst of the worst" but did not provide evidence of any crimes committed by them. Abdullah noted that some people in Somalia treat him with suspicion due to the stigma associated with Guantanamo Bay. The ACLU is currently suing to stop ICE's use of Guantanamo for immigration detainees, although the case is still pending. Immigration attorney Marc Prokosch, who represented Abdullah, stated that while the actions of ICE may raise ethical questions, they appear to comply with federal law regarding deportation orders.