An Afghan Soldier Who Supported US Troops Walked From a Federal Detention Center to Be Honored at a Federal Building

TEXAS – Friday saw the long-awaited reunion of two Afghan brothers who collaborated with the US military in the war against the Taliban.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who worked to free one of the men who had been imprisoned for asylum, stood next to the brothers outside the Federal Building.

All three acknowledged the work of KPRC2’s Deven Clark, who connected the congresswoman to the brothers.

“I am… happy to be standing before you today,” said Abdul Wasi Safi, who went from federal detention to an award for his service in the Federal Building.

After four months in federal detention centers in Texas, Abdul Wasi Safi gets a chance to experience freedom on American soil.

“I hope to take the next step in this process and one day be able to make the American dream come true,” said Abdul Wasi.

After the detention of an Afghan soldier, his brother Sami Safi asked KPRC 2 to expand on their story.

“First of all, I’d like to thank Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee for helping out, just give Deven a call,” Sami said.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee says she has worked tirelessly with the White House in the name of justice.

“The last couple of months, Sami couldn’t live his life because all he did was try to be free or make sure that his brother was free and that he was free from the fear of what might happen to his brother.” Jackson Lee said.

She says that the release of Abdul Wasi Safi was a national matter, which was to fulfill the promise made by America to our allies.

“They care about democracy, they care about American soldiers,” she said.

On Friday, Abdul Wasi Safi was awarded for his loyalty to our country.

“This is the presentation of military and humanitarian service awards to Abdul Wasi Safi,” Jackson Lee said to applause.

She says she’s returning to Washington, D.C. to work on ways to help true allies seeking asylum make the process easier.

Abdul Wasi Safi says he is looking forward to living and working in the United States.