Kashmir-born ‘Saffron Kingdom’ director released in the U.S. after 14 days: family

Kashmir-born filmmaker and movie ‘Saffron Kingdom' director Sheikh Arfat, 42, was released on Thursday (October 8, 2026) after 14 days of detention in the U.S., the family said on Friday (October 9, 2026). Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained the filmmaker on September 24 pending an immigration application.   

“Mr. Arfat was released on October 8 by the ICE,” a family member told The Hindu. 

According to a U.S.-based advocacy group, Mr. Arfat’s bond was granted on the morning of October 6, but he was kept at the Caroline Detention Centre in Bowling Green, Virginia. 

“Mr. Arfat continued to be held after the bond was granted for an additional 48 hours. The team was informed that the delay in his release was due to factors such as a ‘malfunctioning payment portal’ for the bond payment,” it said.