U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers arrested a Somali national near the U.S.-Canada border after authorities said he had an outstanding warrant tied to alleged passport fraud and a fingerprint match connected to a 2012 piracy-related incident, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The case involves both immigration enforcement and prior national security screening records, highlighting how biometric data and international cooperation can factor into border arrests.
Federal officials identified the suspect as Said Jama Ahmed. Authorities said he is currently being held in the District of North Dakota on an illegal entry charge.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, an off-duty officer with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police reported seeing Ahmed walking southbound with a backpack several miles north of the U.S.-Canada border on the night of April 14. Roughly two hours later, a U.S. Border Patrol agent located him and took him into custody.
Federal officials said Ahmed is wanted for alleged violations involving falsely making, using, or forging a passport. Authorities also said his fingerprints matched records tied to a 2012 U.S. Navy encounter involving suspected Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden.
According to DHS, the U.S.S. USS Halsey responded to a distress call in March 2012 from an Indian-flagged vessel that had reportedly been hijacked. A Navy boarding team later encountered Ahmed and nine other armed individuals aboard the ship, and his fingerprints were recorded during that operation, officials said.
Federal authorities said Ahmed first entered the United States in September 2022 near San Luis, Arizona. Officials said he was later detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement in 2024 during a separate investigation involving fraudulent documents.
Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said U.S. and Canadian officials worked together in the recent apprehension.
The Department of Homeland Security did not release further details regarding any extradition process or additional criminal proceedings beyond the current illegal entry charge and existing warrant.
Authorities have not announced a timetable for Ahmed’s next court appearance.
All allegations remain subject to court proceedings.
