Connecticut
Former Afghan interpreter detained in East Hartford, attorney says
A former Aghan interpreter living here in Connecticut has been taken away by immigration agents.
That’s according to the man’s attorney, who says he was here legally with his wife and children.
“So my reaction – horror. Fury,” Maggie Mitchell Salem, of Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services, said.
That concern follows what reportedly happened at the Citizenship and Immigration Service office in East Hartford on Wednesday.
Attorney Lauren Cundick Petersen said the man – identified as Zia – went there as part of the process to get a green card for him and his family based on his service as an interpreter for U.S. troops in Afghanistan.
That’s when she said he was surrounded by immigration agents and taken away to a facility in Massachusetts.
“He’s been in combat situations. He’s been in a war-torn country. This is the kind of thing that I think he thought he totally left behind. You know, people in balaclava shoving you into a van, carrying weapons, right?” Petersen said.
Petersen said on Thursday, a court issued an emergency order that he cannot be removed from the country for now.
And a hearing in a couple of weeks is expected for the government to explain its actions.
If he were to be deported, it’s not certain where he’d go.
Petersen said Zia came here legally last year and lives in the New Haven area with his wife and five children.
The family had received support from the New Haven-based Integrated Refugee and Immigrant Services, or IRIS.
“I can’t even imagine being in their shoes right now. And then the fear that they must have if he can be picked up like this what about the rest of the family? What about others?” Maggie Mitchell Salem, of IRIS, said.
IRIS saic there are hundreds of people – potentially thousands, including families – who have resettled in Connecticut from Afghanistan.
And they are concerned about how many others might be in jeopardy after a Trump administrative order takes a closer look at those who have entered the country since January 2021.
We reached out to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for comment but have not yet heard back.
WETHERSFIELD, Conn. (WFSB) – A tractor trailer’s diesel fuel saddle tank ruptured on I-91 north between exits 25 and 27, state police said.
Approximately 25 to 30 gallons of fuel was released to the road surface, according to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. No ground soil or waterways were involved, DEEP said.
The two right lanes were closed, according to the state Department of Transportation.
No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported, state police said.
Wethersfield Fire Department solidified the diesel fuel on the ground surface with Speedy Dry, DEEP said. An environmental cleanup contractor was en route for cleanup.
Copyright 2026 WFSB. All rights reserved.
WESTPORT — A two-vehicle crash on Interstate 95 caused a traffic slowdown stretching for miles into Fairfield Friday afternoon, according to state officials.
The crash scene has since been cleared.
Connecticut State Police said the two-car crash was reported near Exit 17 in the southbound lanes at 3:03 p.m.
One driver was taken to the hospital for reported injuries, the agency said.
The crash closed the right lane of the highway, causing cars and trucks to be backed up for miles along I-95 into Fairfield, traffic cameras showed.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Connecticut
Joe Deko Appointed to State Legislature’s Group Studying Prepaid Funeral Contracts to Protect Consumers
- Reviewing contract structures: Examining issues related to pre-need funeral contracts and cremation service agreements.
- Strengthening oversight: Recommending stronger consumer protections and improvements to state regulation of the funeral services industry.
- Developing compensation mechanisms: Creating rules for distributing funds to affected consumers and exploring the framework for a future industry-backed guarantee fund.
Deko took to Facebook to share the news.
“I am honored to announce my appointment to the Connecticut State working group focused on reviewing and strengthening Connecticut’s prepaid funeral laws.
This important effort brings together professionals and stakeholders committed to ensuring that prepaid funeral arrangements continue to serve and protect Connecticut families while maintaining the highest standards within our profession.
I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute my experience and perspective to this process and look forward to working collaboratively with fellow members of the group.
A special thank you to Senator Paul Cicarella for his confidence in me and for entrusting me with this appointment. Your support and leadership are greatly appreciated. I look forward to helping shape thoughtful policies that will benefit Connecticut families and the funeral profession for years to come.”
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