Kashmiri-born filmmaker held in US likely to be released soon, family says

Sheikh Arfat won many awards after several screenings of his film Saffron Kingdom in several parts of the United States and Europe. | Photo credit: X/@SaffronKingdom1

Kashmiri-born filmmaker Sheikh Arfat, 42, detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is likely to be released soon, according to his family.

“The family is prosecuting the case and cooperating with the authorities. We expect him to be free soon,” a family member said.

According to the online advocacy group Free Arfat Sheikh, on September 24, 2026, US ICE “unlawfully detained Sheikh as he disembarked from a plane at Dulles Airport (IAD)” and detained him for 11 days at the Caroline Detention Center in Bowling Green, Virginia.

Mr. Arfat won many awards after several screenings of his film Saffron Kingdom in several parts of the United States and Europe. “His work explores identity, resilience and justice through deeply personal and politically resonant stories,” the advocacy group said.

Student visa

It said Mr Arfat had entered the US legally on a student visa to pursue film studies at Georgia State University. “Sheikh has a pending immigration application and is here legally, authorized to live and work in the United States,” the advocacy group added.

Mr. Arfat currently lives in Alexandria, Virginia. His film won him Best Feature Film awards at the Chicago Filmmakers Awards, LA Film and Documentary Awards, Melbourne Independent Film Festival, Wake Forest Film Festival, Anatolian International Film Awards, etc.

Published – 7 Oct 2026 22:22 IST