ICE Lodges Detainer On Liberian Green Card Holder Accused In Arizona Elementary School Assault

ICE says it lodged an immigration detainer on Abel Kai Gblah, a Liberian national and lawful permanent resident jailed in Maricopa County after he allegedly entered an elementary school posing as a doctor and attacked a 10-year-old girl. DHS officials highlighted Gblah’s prior convictions, including sexual conduct with a minor in 2021 and a later alien-smuggling conviction, arguing he should have been a removal priority. The detainer would keep him in custody for immigration proceedings following local criminal processes.