Denying reports that the Saudi national initially considered a “person of interest” following the Boston Marathon bombing is set to be deported, a senior law enforcement official told The Daily Caller Thursday that a different Saudi national, unrelated to the bombing, is in ICE custody.
According to the official, the person in custody is not the Saudi national who was questioned and later deemed to be a witness following the bombings.
ICE is looking into deportation for the individual they have in custody, but no date has been set.
The official stressed that the Saudi national they have in custody is in no way related to the Marathon investigation.
Terror expert Steve Emerson told Fox News’ Sean Hannity Wednesday evening that the Saudi national questioned in relation to the bombings, Abdul Rahman Ali Alharbi, would be deported on Tuesday. That report has been repeated in media reports online.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano labeled reports concerning the deportation of the Saudi national who was at the Boston attack a “rumor.”
“We will provide you with accurate information as it becomes available,” she said.