TACOMA - U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week prevailed in its legal effort to obtain a deportation order for a convicted felon who was actively involved in attempts to establish an al Qaeda terrorist training camp in south-central Oregon.

Semi Osman, 35, a native of Sierra Leone, was ordered deported by Immigration Judge Kenneth Josephson on Friday.

A former resident of Tacoma and Bly, Oregon, Osman, first caught the attention of authorities in December 1999 when a police officer stopped his vehicle near Bly because of a malfunctioning brake light. Two passengers in the vehicle were later identified as members of al Qaeda who were visiting Bly with Osman as their host. A federal investigation led to the arrest of Osman on immigration and firearms violations. He was subsequently convicted of possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number. He also entered into a fraudulent marriage to obtain a "green card."

After serving time in federal prison on the firearms charge, Osman was later convicted of sexual abuse of a 10-year-old child and served time in the Walla Walla State Penitentiary. Following his release, he was required to register as a sex offender.

"ICE will not stand by and allow the United States to become a haven for those who put the safety of our citizens at risk," said Dorothy Stefan, Chief Counsel for ICE in Seattle. "Those who are convicted of serious crimes are not welcome in this country."

Osman remains in ICE custody while he appeals his removal order.

-- ICE --