SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A federal judge is ordering the release of Iranian migrant and bodybuilder Hamid Ziaei after he was held by U.S. immigration authorities for over five months. Ziaei’s attorneys argued that he was detained without apparent efforts toward deportation to any country other than Iran, a place where he fears persecution.
During a court session in Albuquerque, Ziaei's lawyers emphasized that the U.S. government had failed to demonstrate any likelihood of his imminent removal. Rachel Landry, an attorney from the Innovation Law Lab representing Ziaei, stated, The government provided no evidence that there was any likelihood of Mr. Ziaei’s removal in the reasonable, foreseeable future.
Ziaei fled Iran after expressing dissent against the government, arriving in the U.S. in January 2024. Despite a rejection of his asylum request, he had been allowed to work based on concerns about potential persecution if returned to Iran.
He had been living in California, supporting himself through various jobs such as elderly care and personal training until his re-arrest in June.
In court, immigration authorities indicated that Ziaei was being vetted for removal to a different country as of August. This follow-up underscores ongoing challenges faced by immigrants navigating the U.S. immigration system.
U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Garcia stated he would sign an order for Ziaei’s release within 24 hours, reflecting concerns about his prolonged detention impacting his health and ability to make a living as an athlete.
