A man from Turkey, identified as Saim Irgi, was arrested in western New York after reportedly resisting arrest and attempting to grab a police officer’s Taser, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
ICE announced on Tuesday that Irgi, aged 39, allegedly engaged in a struggle with law enforcement while shouting “Allah Akbar,” which translates to “God is great.” This occurred before he was finally subdued and taken into custody.
The incident began when Buffalo officers, conducting a focused search in Tonawanda, noticed a vehicle linked to their investigation leaving a residence.
Once the vehicle was pulled over, officers identified Irgi as the driver. They stated he is in the U.S. illegally. Officers repeatedly instructed him to exit the vehicle, but he declined to comply.
In an effort to gain control, one officer drew a Taser and warned Irgi that he would be shocked if he continued to resist. Subsequently, while the officers were attempting to arrest him, Irgi allegedly grabbed for the Taser while continuing to shout, prompting another officer to deploy his Taser to subdue him.
After the confrontation, Irgi was taken to the Buffalo Federal Detention Center. Medical staff there assessed him and confirmed he was fit for custody.
Authorities revealed that Irgi has a criminal history that dates back to July 2023, when he illegally entered the U.S. via the southern border. Border Patrol agents first encountered him near Jamul, California, shortly after he crossed from Mexico.
Interestingly, Irgi’s past includes an arrest in March in Pennsauken, New Jersey, for simple assault, a charge that was later dismissed. On the same day, he faced additional charges in Philadelphia, which included strangulation and endangerment.
Tammy Marich, the acting director of ICE’s Buffalo field office, described Irgi as a significant threat to public safety, emphasizing that the agency will continue its vigilant efforts to detain and deport criminal illegal immigrants.
As of now, Mr. Irgi remains in ICE custody, and the process for his release is ongoing.
