This browser does not support the Video element.
This browser does not support the Video element.
DALLAS - Several people who were held after a flight from Qatar landed at DFW Airport Tuesday afternoon were able to reunite with loved ones.
At least 8 people were questioned for about four hours before their release, much shorter than for others over the weekend.
Legal teams remained at the airport to help those who needed it.
Greeted by applause, two Iraqi women emerged from Terminal D in wheelchairs and were reunited with their family in Fort Worth.
The women were on board a flight from Qatar that landed at DFW at 2:30 p.m. They, along with a 39-year-old man from Syria, weren’t released until after 7 p.m. after being questioned by U.S. Customs and border patrol agents. All of them were green card holders.
“I cannot explain the feeling right now,” said Abdula Zeki, whose mother was processed for several hours. “It's been the hardest four hours for me.”
The latest reunion came at a time when many Americans are greatly divided over President Donald Trump's executive order and travel restrictions.
55-year-old Amil Imani was born in Oran but came to the U.S. at the age of 18 when Iran was in the midst of an Islamic revolution. He's now a U.S. citizen but talks to family and friends in Iran.
“I’m 100 percent with President Trump on this issue because terrorism nowadays is unbelievable,” he said.
Imani says these restrictions are needed because he understands the religious and political climate in Iran.
“It’s about security of America and American people. That's what he’s doing,” Imani said. “People are overblowing it, making it something it’s not.”
But many Americans disagree. And some continue to show up to the international arrival gate to show their support.
“I’m going to be out here as much as possible until they undo it because it’s not okay,” said protestor Stacy Taylor.
Lawyers who helped the foreign travelers said 15 people were detained at the airport Monday.