Illegal immigrant from Jordan found with eight Molotov cocktails is released by sanctuary county judge — only to be hunted down by ICE two days later
An Illinois judge released a Jordanian national accused of possessing eight Molotov cocktails, despite an immigration detainer, according to the Department of Homeland Security. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested him two days later.
Hamed Mohammed Hamed Alsaidi was arrested in Mokena, Illinois, on August 1 after police encountered him twice early that morning. Authorities stated he initially gave officers an alias, but was later identified and found with eight Molotov cocktails in his possession.
Alsaidi faces felony charges for unlawful possession of a weapon and a misdemeanor charge for obstructing identification. DHS also reported a prior arrest for domestic battery.
ICE filed a detainer with Will County on the day of Alsaidi’s arrest. DHS stated the county did not honor the request, and Judge Theodore Jarz granted Alsaidi pretrial release on August 2 without notifying immigration authorities.
Judge Jarz ordered Alsaidi to remain at a residence in Oak Forest and wear a GPS monitor, according to Shaw Local. He was arrested by ICE two days later, on August 4, and remains in custody.
“This criminal illegal alien was arrested after he was found to have EIGHT Molotov cocktails in his possession and gave a false name to officers,” a DHS spokesperson said. The department criticized Will County officials for releasing him despite the immigration detainer.
Mokena police first encountered Alsaidi at a closed gas station at 2:52 a.m. on August 1 and instructed him to leave. Officers then transported him to another gas station, according to prosecutors.
Alsaidi allegedly gave officers the name Hakmat Saidi. Later that morning, police saw him walking in lanes of traffic on 191st Street and detained him. His real identity was then disclosed, and the officers found eight Molotov cocktails on his person.
Prosecutors stated that six of the devices were 12-ounce bottles and two were liter-sized, each with gauze in the tops as wicks. Alsaidi also allegedly possessed a written map of the area, which included a nearby Metra train station and the words, “You see the mosque.”
Authorities also reported that Alsaidi had “an active order of protection listing residents and addresses in Orland Park.” Prosecutors further alleged he had “twice been determined to be an inadmissible alien,” in 2024 and 2025.
The discovery led authorities to contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office. The FBI was also provided with information about the case.
According to DHS, Alsaidi entered the United States through California in March 2024 and was subsequently released into the country under the Biden administration.
The case has drawn attention to the roles of local courts and federal immigration authorities. An ICE detainer requests that local law enforcement notify federal immigration officials before releasing someone in custody.
DHS has cited other Illinois cases involving individuals in the country illegally who were arrested on serious criminal charges, as part of its broader criticism of the state’s immigration policies.