The NDP are asking the federal government to look into the arrest of an American military deserter in Nelson, B.C.

Alex Atamanenko, who represents the riding of British Columbia Southern Interior, told CBC News Wednesday he suspects the Nelson police were responding to a request from the U.S. army in February when they put Kyle Snyder in jail.

Wearing only his boxer shorts, Snyder was held in a cell for several hours before he was released after agreeing to a future meeting with immigration officials.

Snyder was not charged and police won't say what prompted his arrest.

Snyder, 23, who says he is applying for permanent residence in Canada, is wanted by the U.S. army because he deserted in 2005 after fighting in Iraq.

Atamanenko said Snyder should not have been arrested because being absent without leave from a foreign military is not an extraditable offence and Snyder has no criminal record.

The incident left the MP wondering whether other young Americans are being arrested. 

"Our concern is that there could be other Kyle Snyders in Canada," Atamanenko said. "We know that there are a couple of hundred other war resisters here. Are there those that are being apprehended now?"

In a written statement, Nelson's police chief has said Abbotsford police will investigate the Nelson force's actions, and Abbotsford's chief will have the authority to take disciplinary action.