US Deports Ethiopian Man Over Online Posts Promoting Violence

Authorities say Solomon Bogale used social media to spread messages supporting attacks on Tigrayans

Mar. 14, 2026 at 5:20pm

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The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has deported an Ethiopian man named Solomon Bogale after his online posts caught the attention of investigators. Authorities say Bogale utilized multiple social media profiles to spread statements encouraging violence and ethnic persecution against Tigrayans in Ethiopia. His posts, which included calls for attacks and "cleansing" of Tigrayans, led ICE to identify him as a member of the Amhara militia group known as Fano. An immigration judge eventually dismissed Bogale's application for immigration benefits, citing evidence of his sympathy for violent activities and ethnic persecution.

Why it matters

This case highlights the increased attention U.S. immigration officials are paying to foreign individuals who advocate or support violent extremist groups online. The Amhara militia, or Fano, has been involved in various conflicts in Ethiopia in recent years and has been designated by U.S. immigration authorities as a Tier III terrorist organization for immigration enforcement purposes.

The details

According to ICE, Bogale openly identified himself as a Fano member online. His posts featured calls for attacks on Tigrayans, with some messages supporting their "cleansing" from Ethiopia. The posts drew the attention of investigators, who then presented Bogale's case to an immigration court in Baltimore. An immigration judge eventually dismissed his application for immigration benefits, citing evidence of his sympathy for violent activities and ethnic persecution.

  • Bogale entered the United States without being inspected on September 16, 2023.
  • Two days later, on September 18, 2023, he was approached by authorities from the United States Customs and Border Protection, who began removal proceedings against him.

The players

Solomon Bogale

An Ethiopian native and citizen who utilized multiple social media profiles to spread statements encouraging violence and ethnic persecution against Tigrayans in Ethiopia.

ICE

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, which identified Bogale's online posts and initiated the deportation process.

Fano

The Amhara militia group that Bogale openly identified himself as a member of online. Fano has been involved in various conflicts in Ethiopia in recent years and has been designated by U.S. immigration authorities as a Tier III terrorist organization for immigration enforcement purposes.

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What they’re saying

“Our officers continue to effect the removal of suspected human rights violators to their home countries. ERO officers are committed to public safety and national security, and removing this individual from the United States serves both those priorities.”

— Christopher McGregor, ERO Phoenix acting Field Office Director

The takeaway

This case highlights the U.S. government's increased scrutiny of individuals who use social media to advocate for or support violent extremist groups, even if they are not physically located in the United States. It demonstrates the willingness of immigration authorities to deport those deemed a threat to public safety and national security.