Kashmir-born filmmaker held in U.S. likely to be freed soon, says family

Kashmir-born filmmaker Sheikh Arfat, 42, detained by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is likely to be set free soon, according to his family.  

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

According to an online advocacy group, Free Arfat Sheikh, the U.S. ICE on September 24, 2026, “unlawfully detained Sheikh when he was coming off a plane at Dulles Airport (IAD)” and detained at the Caroline Detention Centre in Bowling Green, Virginia, for 11 days.

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

Student visa

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

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