The mother of a 22-year-old Irishman who was born in Libya has expressed fear for the safety of her son after he was placed in a US detention centre four days ago over an alleged visa violation.
Mr Adam El Abdaly, a student who was working in San Diego on a J1 visa, was arrested as he crossed back into the US after visiting Mexico at the weekend with a group of Irish students.
Mr El Abdaly, who is studying audio and visual communications at the Institute of Technology, Tallaght, may be held in the detention centre for up to six weeks.
His mother, Ms Annette El Abdaly, who lives in Claremorris, Co Mayo, yesterday said she was "worried sick" for her son.
"I was totally devastated when I heard last night. I'm angry at how the authorities have reacted. To be treated like that, it's because he was born in Libya. They tried to refuse him a J1 visa in the first place, even though he worked there two years ago," she said.
"I know they are being careful because of September 11th, but even still it's just not good enough," said Ms El Abdaly, a mother-of-six.
She has since contacted a solicitor in the US who is working to help secure the release of her son.
The circumstances surrounding Mr El Abdaly's arrest are still unclear, although his friends say that after a brief visit to Mexico he attempted to enter the US through an incorrect departure point.
Mr El Abdaly was arrested and questioned and transported to a detention centre in San Diego. His visa has apparently been cancelled and it is likely he will be deported.
The Department of Foreign Affairs yesterday confirmed it was examining the case but was unable to provide any details.
A spokeswoman for the US embassy in Dublin also said she was unable to provide any details of Mr El Abdaly's status.
Mr El Abdaly travelled to the US in July and shared an apartment in San Diego with some college friends.
He was born in Libya but holds an Irish passport. His mother is originally from Co Westmeath, while his father, Mr Abdulgialil El Abdaly, died around 15 years ago.
The mother of one of Mr El Abdaly's college friends, Ms Barbara O'Hanlon, also expressed shock at the US authorities' handling of the situation. "It's outrageous. They are students who have worked hard all year. I can't think that there was anything underhand about what they were doing, they are perfectly law abiding," she said.
His college friends have been in contact with Mr El Abdaly and say he is in good spirits, but is worried that he may be detained for a long period of time.
His mother, however, said she was worried at how he would react to being detained for a long period of time. "He'll be nervous and he'll get totally stressed out and is probably at the end of this tether. I don't know how they treat people there, but I'm sure they'll question him for hours and hours."
