Megahed now facing immigration charges

MOORE HAVEN, Fla., June 4 (UPI) -- Egyptian national Youssef Samir Megahed says despite being cleared of terrorism charges in the United States, he now faces immigration charges.

The 23-year-old University of South Florida student said authorities are apparently driven to convict him as a terrorist despite the fact a jury cleared him on charges of transporting explosive materials and of possessing a destructive device, The New York Times said Thursday.

"They just label you a terrorist and that's it," Megahed said.

Megahed was arrested along with fellow Muslim student Ahmed Mohamed two years ago after police found materials used to make explosives in the trunk of the students' car.

While police accused the men of possessing an explosive device, the Times said Mohamed insisted the students had the materials to make homemade fireworks.

Megahed was released after being cleared of all related charges in the matter but was arrested three days later in Tampa, Fla., and charged with immigration charges related to the same incident. He is awaiting trial and possible deportation.