Saim Irgi

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A violent criminal from Turkey with assault cases in New Jersey and Pennsylvania shouted "Allahu Akbar" and allegedly attempted to grab an ICE agent's taser during his latest arrest in upstate New York, federal officials say.

Saim Irgi, 39, was arrested earlier this month in Tonawanda, NY, during a targeted takedown operation, though officials said he didn't go down quietly.

According to ICE, Irgi refused repeated commands to exit his vehicle before his arrest, then grabbed at an officer's weapon when they attempted to remove him from the vehicle.

He was ultimately tased and taken into custody, ICE said.

Federal officials highlighted Irgi’s criminal history in the region. 

Pennsauken, NJ arrested Irgi on March 19 and charged him with simple assault, which was dismissed weeks later. Hours after his release, officers in Philadelphia arrested him and charged him with strangulation, simple assault, and recklessly endangering, according to the agency.

“Saim Irgi is a violent criminal offender and a significant public safety threat to the residents of western New York,” ICE Buffalo Acting Field Office Director Tammy Marich said.

ICE said US Border Patrol first encountered Irgi near Jamul, California, on July 7, 2023, after he illegally entered the country. He was released into the US “without any vetting,” according to authorities.

During the latest November arrest, ICE said officers warned Irgi several times that he would be tased if he continued resisting. 

When Irgi grabbed an officer’s taser while screaming “Allahu Akbar,” another officer deployed a taser to subdue him.

"The illegal alien was subsequently placed in restraints, taken into custody, and transported to Buffalo Federal Detention Facility for processing and detention," officials said. 

"Upon arrival at the Buffalo Federal Detention Facility, Irgi was evaluated by the medical staff and deemed medically fit for detention."