BUFFALO, N.Y. – On Tuesday, November 18, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials announced the arrest of a Turkish national who allegedly resisted federal officers during an enforcement operation in Tonawanda on November 5. ICE reported that the individual attempted to take an officer’s taser while shouting ‘Allahu Akbar,’ and had to be subdued before being taken into custody.
“Allahu Akbar” is an Arabic phrase meaning “God is greatest” or “God is greater.” It is a common, peaceful religious expression used daily by millions of Muslims during prayer, moments of gratitude, celebration, or strong emotion. However, some terrorists have shouted the phrase during violent attacks creating a a strong public association when used during criminal acts.
According to ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Buffalo office, officers conducting a targeted operation observed a subject leaving a residence and initiated a stop when safe to do so. During the encounter, officers identified the driver as Saim Irgi, 39, a Turkish citizen without lawful status in the United States.
Officers repeatedly instructed Irgi to exit his vehicle, but he allegedly refused and physically resisted attempts to remove him. After being escorted to the ground, Irgi continued to struggle. ICE officials say he grabbed for an officer’s taser while yelling “Allahu Akbar,” prompting another officer to deploy a taser to gain control. Irgi was then placed in restraints and taken into custody without further incident.
Medical staff at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility evaluated Irgi upon arrival and deemed him fit for detention.
According to ICE, U.S. Border Patrol first encountered Irgi near Jamul, California, on July 7, 2023, following his illegal entry from Mexico. ICE states that Irgi was released into the interior pending immigration proceedings.
Irgi has been arrested on multiple occasions since entering the country:
- March 19, 2024 – Arrested by Pennsauken Police Department (New Jersey) and charged with simple assault; the charge was dismissed on April 4.
- April 4, 2024 – Arrested in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and charged with strangulation, simple assault, and recklessly endangering.
ICE officials say Irgi will remain in federal custody pending the outcome of his immigration case.
Saim Irgi is a violent criminal offender and a significant public safety threat to the residents of western New York,” said ICE Buffalo acting Field Office Director Tammy Marich. “The officers of ICE Buffalo will continue to work tirelessly to arrest and remove criminal illegal aliens from the United States.”
Key Facts & Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Saim Irgi, 39 |
| Citizenship | Turkish national |
| Immigration Status | No lawful status in the United States |
| Date of ICE Operation | November 5, 2025 |
| Announcement Date | November 18, 2025 |
| Location of Arrest | Tonawanda, New York |
| Incident Summary | Allegedly resisted ICE officers, refused commands, attempted to seize officer’s taser, shouted “Allahu Akbar” during struggle |
| Use of Force | Taser deployed by ICE officer to gain control |
| Medical Evaluation | Deemed medically fit upon arrival at Buffalo Federal Detention Facility |
| Initial U.S. Encounter | July 7, 2023 — encountered by U.S. Border Patrol near Jamul, California, after illegal entry |
| Prior Arrest – New Jersey | March 19, 2024 – Simple assault charge in Pennsauken (dismissed April 4) |
| Prior Arrest – Pennsylvania | April 4, 2024 – Charged in Philadelphia with strangulation, simple assault, and recklessly endangering |
| ICE Statement | Acting Field Office Director Tammy Marich described the defendant as a threat to public safety |
| Detention Status | Held at Buffalo Federal Detention Facility pending immigration proceedings |
| Public Tip Line | 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or ICE online tip form |
To Report Tips
Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity to ICE by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submitting information through the agency’s online tip form.
