Abdi v. Holder, 11-71115
| Decision Date | 17 May 2013 |
| Docket Number | No. 11-71115,Agency No. A089-853-110,11-71115 |
| Parties | MOHAMED IBRAHIM ABDI, Petitioner, v. ERIC H. HOLDER, Jr., Attorney General, Respondent. |
| Court | U.S. Court of Appeals — Ninth Circuit |
NOT FOR PUBLICATION
MEMORANDUM*On Petition for Review of an Order of the
Board of Immigration Appeals
Argued and Submitted May 8, 2013
Seattle, Washington
Before: HAWKINS, THOMAS, and NGUYEN, Circuit Judges.
Mohamed Ibrahim Abdi petitions for review of the Board of Immigration Appeals's ("BIA") decision affirming the order of the Immigration Judge ("IJ") denying his applications for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture ("CAT"). We deny the petition.
Substantial evidence supports the agency's conclusion that the petitioner was involved with the persecution or assisted in the persecution of others on account of their perceived political opinion, and therefore ineligible for asylum and withholding of removal under the persecutor bar. 8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(42)(A).1
The IJ found that two witnesses provided detailed and credible testimony regarding their alleged abuse at the hands of the petitioner. The IJ found that the petitioner failed to credibly rebut the allegations. The BIA determined that this finding was not clearly erroneous.
Petitioner argues that the testimony of the adverse witnesses was inconsistent and rebutted. However, we only assess whether the agency determination is supported by substantial evidence in the record. Rizk v. Holder, 629 F.3d 1083, 1087 (9th Cir. 2011). The fact-finder may consider the totality of circumstances, and all relevant factors, including demeanor, candor, responsiveness, plausibility, consistency, and accuracy. 8 U.S.C. § 1158(b)(1)(B)(iii). Although the record contains inconsistencies on the part ofwitnesses, including the petitioner, we conclude under our deferential standard of review that the agency's determination is supported by substantial evidence.
Petitioner also argues that even if he is ineligible for asylum and withholding of removal under the persecutor bar, he is still eligible for deferral of removal under CAT. The agency found that it is not "more likely than not" that Abdi will be tortured if he is removed to Ethiopia, and the record does not compel the contrary conclusion.
We need not and do not reach any other issue urged by the parties on appeal.
PETITION DENIED.
*. This disposition is not appropriate for publication and is not precedent except as provided by 9th...
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