New York: Illegal 2023 Muslim Migrant Shouts ‘Allahu Akbar’ While Attempting to Seize Officer’s Taser

Image: Jihad Watch

On November 5, officers from ICE’s Buffalo Field Office apprehended a Turkish national who was in the United States illegally. During the arrest, the individual, later identified as 39-year-old Saim Irgi, violently resisted multiple lawful commands to step out of his vehicle. According to officials, Irgi refused to comply, physically struggled with officers, and even attempted to seize one of their tasers. As officers removed him from the vehicle, he reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar,” further escalating the confrontation. Irgi was ultimately subdued after an officer deployed a taser to bring him under control.

Authorities noted that Irgi has an extensive and troubling criminal history. His record includes prior arrests in New Jersey for assault and additional charges in Pennsylvania, including strangulation, assault, and reckless endangerment, underscoring concerns about his threat to public safety.

“Saim Irgi is a violent criminal offender and a significant public safety threat to the residents of western New York,” stated Tammy Marich, Acting Field Office Director for ICE Buffalo. “Our officers remain committed to identifying, arresting, and removing criminal illegal aliens who pose dangers to communities across the United States.”

Irgi first came to the attention of federal authorities on July 7, 2023, when U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered him near Jamul, California following his illegal entry from Mexico. Despite lacking any legal status, Irgi was released into the United States without undergoing meaningful vetting under current federal procedures.

His criminal activity continued into 2024. On March 19, the Pennsauken Police Department in New Jersey arrested him on a simple assault charge, which was later dismissed on April 4. That same day, he was taken into custody by the Philadelphia Police Department and charged with strangulation, simple assault, and reckless endangerment—charges that further raised concerns about his behavior and risk to the public.

The November 5 arrest occurred during a targeted enforcement operation in Tonawanda, New York. ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations officers observed a suspect leaving a residence and initiated a vehicle stop. During what began as a consensual encounter, officers verified that the driver was, in fact, Irgi—an undocumented Turkish national with no lawful status in the United States. Repeated requests for him to exit the vehicle were ignored. When officers attempted to physically escort him out, he continued resisting and struggled on the ground as they tried to place him in custody.

Despite multiple warnings that continued resistance would result in the use of a taser, Irgi persisted in his aggression. At one point, he grabbed onto an officer’s taser while loudly yelling “Allahu Akbar.” To prevent further escalation and ensure officer safety, another officer deployed a taser, finally enabling the team to restrain and arrest him.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)