Report: Probe Launched Into Disappearance of Saudi Students Charged With Crimes
LONG ARM OF THE LAW
Saudi students in at least eight states have reportedly fled the U.S. after being charged with serious crimes.
Huseyin Aldemir/Reuters
Federal law enforcement officials have reportedly launched a “multi-agency” probe into cases of Saudi Arabian students fleeing the country or disappearing after criminal charges were filed against them, The Oregonian reports. Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) reportedly learned of the investigation on Wednesday in a meeting with Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Kevin McAleenan. A congressional aide told the newspaper that McAleenan said CBP and “other departments within the Trump administration” were investigating the students who fled. “I am confident that he is taking this issue seriously,” Wyden said of McAleenan in a statement. “I urged him to proceed aggressively.” Saudi students in at least eight states have reportedly fled the U.S. after being charged with crimes like manslaughter, sexual assault, and possession of child pornography. According to the newspaper, the Saudi government paid for the student's bail and legal fees in at least four of the cases. Federal officials also reportedly confirmed that at least two returned to Saudi Arabia.
