Thursday, October 1, 2026
A disabled U.S. Army veteran with ties to Thurston County was released from a federal facility on Monday, Dec. 22, after a judge ruled his detention was unlawful.
Muhammad Zahid Chaudhry left the Northwest ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) Processing Center late Monday afternoon. FOX 13 Seatttle video footage showed Chaudhry leaving the facility in a wheelchair and being greeted by his wife, Melissa Chaudhry.
Multiple news organizations reported on the hearing, which was held before U.S. District Chief Judge David G. Estudillo in the U.S. Courthouse in Tacoma on Monday.
Chaudhry, who is a former member of The JOLT News Board of Directors, spent about four months in custody after being detained during a citizenship interview in Tukwila on Aug. 21.
His detainment weighed heavily on local community members, many of whom carried signs emblazoned with the words “Free Zahid” during the “Walk for Immigrant Justice” through downtown Olympia on Aug. 23.
Chaudhry is originally from Pakistan. He has lived in the United States for more than 20 years.
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Esther
Hooray! It’s about time. His experience is an indictment of federal immigration policy.-its deliberate cruelty and injustice. The unthinkable close to home for all to see and decry. May we all unite in the name of decency and community to oppose these injustices wherever they occur.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 Report this
hptrillium
I agree with Esther and there are many more in detention at the Geo run facility in Tacoma that should not be there. Geo is making profit off of the misery of refugees who are just trying to survive. We must protest against this until it stops.
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 Report this
Boatyarddog
Zahid is well known and a great asset for Olympia. We who know him are SO Happy for his release. A very Unjust Action was perpetrated upon him and is a criminal action. This Adminestration Of Fear is Loathsome and Destined to End Badly for Those Cheering it On. WELCOME HOME ZAHID!
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 Report this
Snevets
Agreed with all! Welcome home and many blessings Zahid!❤️
Tuesday, December 23, 2025 Report this
valerie
Indeed, we welcome you Zahid with an apology for the acts of a movement that has led us to this dark place. You’ve been a model citizen who’s served this nation in so many ways. Proud to know you.
You’re another proof that now we practice “guilty ‘til proven innocent” despite the due process, 5th, 13th, 14th amendment and all the other totally-ignored written protections from tyranny and dictators.
you’re mistreatment (and that of thousands of others) evokes memories of our disgusting treatment of Japanese AMERICANS who were also ‘guilty by reason of race’ and deprived of all our guaranteed rights.
Your treatment makes a mockery of the Pledge so many recite without thought or actual practice…. “..liberty and justice FOR ALL”.
WE ARE SORRY and the Statue of Liberty weeps for your offensive treatment as for so many others daily. It’s time to take back the democracy we cherish from the jaws of power-addicted racist ethnocentric eugenicists!! That is the apology we all like you harmed by demagoguery and worse. Peace, JUSTICE and thanks to you and Melissa.
Wednesday, December 31, 2025 Report this