(WXYZ) — Tonight we're hearing from the wife of an Iraqi refugee who cut his tether in order to escape deportation.
The man's attorney says more refugees are doing the same for fear they'll be killed when they're sent back to Iraq.
Special agents found and arrested Ali Al Sadoon last week, and now he's one of three Iraqi refugees the U.S. Attorney's Office has charged for cutting off a tether to avoid deportation.
Belqis Florido's is Al Sadoon's wife. She says she's scared and nervous.
"All we can do is cry and pray," she said. "Just hoping the best."
Al Sadoon spent eight years behind barsfor breaking and entering. He was scheuled to be deported following that conviction, and on the day he was to be sent back federal investigators say Al Sadoon cut off his tether to escape deportation.
Shanta Driver is Al Sadoon's immigration attorney and says there are other Iraqi refugees doing the same thing because they're afraid they'll be killed once they are sent back.
"They're looking for safety... they'er trying to buy time," Driver said. "Tyring to stay alive."
On Friday, special agents arrested Al Sadoon in Redford. They say he refused to open the door and used his wife and kids as a shield. They were ultimately able to arrest him.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Al Sadoon is one of three refugees who have been charged with federal crime for cutting off their tether to avoid deportation.
When asked why they should be given special exception after breaking the law, Driver says they did their time.
"I just cant imagine how anyone can be guilty of a crime for defending life... not going along with (their) own demise," Driver said.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement had no comment on refugees cutting off tethers.
