The Trump administration is working to deport Blerim Skoro, a Kosovo-born man who claims he infiltrated al Qaeda after 9/11 on behalf of the CIA, helping to convict terrorists in the process. He was arrested outside an immigration office in New Jersey while renewing paperwork. Skoro’s lawyers rushed to federal court to stop the deportation, arguing he was promised residency due to significant contributions as a ‘CIA agent.’
Blerim Skoro, residing in Staten Island with an American wife and kids, was previously granted a deferral of removal in 2022. This measure aimed to protect him from capture and torture by terrorists if deported. His lawyers assert his efforts led to the arrest of key members of al Qaeda, al Shabaab, and Hezbollah.
Skoro expressed fear over the government’s decision, which he perceives as a betrayal, stating, “Please, if I die, I should die in this country so my kids can bury me.” He was detained at Elizabeth Detention Center in New Jersey when he shared his concerns with CBS News.
“I never thought they were going to betray me like this,” Skoro remarked.
Skoro’s journey with U.S. intelligence began following his imprisonment for drug trafficking in 2000. He struggled financially after fleeing the Kosovo conflict with his family. While jailed, he was approached by CIA agents to leverage his connections with Islamic radicals. During his incarceration at a federal prison in Pennsylvania from 2002-2006, Skoro gathered intelligence for the FBI on numerous terrorists.
FBI documents identify him as an informant, providing reliable information about entities like bin Laden and a Syrian training camp. Despite expecting a reduced sentence, Skoro was deported to Kosovo in 2007. He was subsequently tasked with infiltrating al Qaeda in the Balkans, returning to the U.S. in 2014.
Skoro claims his undercover work from 2007 to 2009 involved visiting an ISIS camp in Syria and operations in Lebanon, Jordan, Pakistan, and Egypt. Photos and videos from this period appear in the documentary “The Accidental Spy” and a YouTube show.
Skoro was reportedly linked to the arrest of Brooklyn terrorist Betim Kaziu, who received a 27-year sentence for attempting to acquire weapons for al Shabaab. Skoro shared communications with his CIA handler that highlighted his role in Kaziu’s arrest.
Additionally, he claims to have helped intercept uranium shipments to Kosovo, thwarting a potential “dirty bomb” scheme. Upon returning to the U.S., he offered intelligence to the FBI and NYPD while encountering recruiters for ISIS.
Skoro’s attorney, Joshua Dratel, described him as law-abiding and a valuable contributor to U.S. security efforts. His habeas corpus petition emphasizes his role with multiple U.S. agencies.
Skoro’s wife, Susan, recounted his arrest during an immigration office visit, describing it as a betrayal given his past sacrifices. “He can’t get deported anywhere safely,” she noted, urging for leniency.
Arriving in the U.S. in 1994 seeking asylum, Skoro had previously witnessed atrocities during military service in the Yugoslav Army. He faced an assassination attempt in Kosovo, leading him to reenter the U.S. through Canada.
After his 2016 ICE arrest over minor offenses, Skoro became embroiled in immigration battles. A 2022 court ruling prevented his return to Kosovo, citing the risk of torture. The court stopped short of granting permanent residency.
Bhairavi Desai, from Skoro’s taxi union, expressed surprise at his uncertain legal status. “I thought that given the work that he did on the war on terror… he would have already had permanent status here,” she said.
Skoro’s legal team argues that ICE cannot deport him without judicial approval, referencing his court-awarded protection. An amended habeas corpus petition argues against ICE’s arbitrary detention practices.
U.S. District Court Judge Robert Kirsch ordered a government response to the case by a specified deadline. ICE, the CIA, and the FBI have not commented.