Schumer: Mahmood should be released

NEW YORK -- U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., issued a statement Wednesday in support of Hudson resident Ansar Mahmood's application for supervised release and deferred deportation.

The statement expanded on the comments the senator made in an interview with Gabe Pressman that aired Tuesday night on WNBC-TV New York.

"As I've said before, I'm sympathetic to Ansar Mahmood," Schumer said. "The FBI cleared him of any links to violent crimes, he has been a model prisoner and he has strong support within the community. From time to time, the federal government will grant supervised releases that allow a person to remain in the country but require him to check in with the government every month. This is a case that merits that response."

Schumer pointed out that because Mahmood pleaded guilty to a nonviolent crime, poses no threat to the community and has no other conviction, he should be allowed to remain in the country.

According to the senator's office, for Mahmood to remain in this country, a supervised released and deferred action on his deportation is required. That decision is at the discretion of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

"I believe we need to do everything within reason to defend our nation and crack down on terrorism, but this is not a terrorism case," Schumer said. "Ansar Mahmood has been fully investigated by the FBI and it's [been] determined that he is not a threat to the United States. There is not a compelling case for him to be deported."

Schumer's spokesman, Blake Zeff, said late Wednesday the senator will be writing a letter to the Office of Homeland Security on Mahmood's behalf "shortly."

Mahmood's attorney, Rolando Velasquez of Buffalo, was not available for comment.