Ulster County Executive Urges Release of Detained New Paltz Resident

Published on October 28, 2025

KINGSTON, NY - Today, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger sent a letter to the Newark ICE Field Office urging the immediate release of Ali Sajad Faqirzada, a New Paltz resident and full-time computer science student at Bard College, who is currently being held in detention despite being granted a Credible Fear determination by immigration authorities.

In her letter, County Executive Metzger emphasized that Faqirzada poses no flight risk and has deep ties to the Ulster County community and his family, who live in New Paltz. In addition to being a full-time student at Bard, he also works part time in a local hospital. He and his family have been valued members of the community for more than three years.

“This is a family we feel privileged to call community members in our County,” Executive Metzger wrote. “Ali has distinguished himself through his integrity, work ethic, and deep commitment to both his loved ones and the broader community … I urge his immediate release and that he be returned to his family and our community.”

* A copy of the County Executive’s letter is attached to this release.