Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Two Iranian-born Louisiana State University (LSU) students, Pouria Pourhosseinhendabad and Parisa Firouzabadi, have been released from detention after being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) since late June 2023. Their release was secured following a recommendation by a federal magistrate and was confirmed by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Louisiana, who viewed this outcome as a significant affirmation of immigrants’ rights and due process.

The couple, who are legally enrolled in the mechanical engineering Ph.D. program at LSU, were arrested in their Baton Rouge apartment under contentious circumstances. They had called the authorities to report a hit-and-run incident when ICE agents allegedly used this situation to lure them out from their home. Their attorneys maintain that these arrests were not only illegal but were also a deceptive ploy by government agents aimed at detaining them.

According to the couple’s attorney, they had maintained full compliance with their visa requirements throughout their stay in the United States, bearing no criminal records. This incident occurred shortly after President Trump authorized military action against Iranian nuclear facilities, which coincided with reported trends showcasing an increase in arrests of Iranian nationals, along with similar cases of detentions. The context of heightened U.S.-Iran relations has led to claims that their arrests were discriminatory, influenced by their nationality.

Legal Complications and Nationality Concerns

Complications arose surrounding Firouzabadi’s visa status, with ICE initially asserting that she was deportable due to a revocation of her visa in 2023, citing accusations of espionage or sabotage. However, these allegations were later withdrawn after legal pressure was applied. Despite the retraction, fears of deportation persisted due to the visa revocation.

During their detention, both Pouria and Parisa spent several days without clarity on the specific reasons or legal grounds for their arrest. This lack of transparency heightened concerns for their safety and status in the country. Following challenges by their legal team, all removal proceedings against them have been dismissed, allowing them to begin planning their next steps.

Future Plans and Community Support

Upon their release, Pouria and Parisa intend to resume their studies at LSU. Their case has garnered significant attention and support, shining a light on the broader issues surrounding immigration policies and the treatment of international students in the U.S. The ACLU’s involvement highlights ongoing concerns regarding the rights of immigrants and the due process afforded to them, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions.

The couple’s situation reflects a growing apprehension among Iranian nationals in the United States amidst changing political landscapes. As ICE continues to face scrutiny over its arrest strategies and treatment of immigrants, cases like that of Pouria and Parisa highlight the complexities and potential injustices within the immigration system.