Lawyers Claim Two Iranian Students Freed After ICE Arrests in Alleged Deception Incident

Two married Iranian students at Louisiana State University were released from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody this week following their arrest in June, which their attorneys characterized as a “ruse” orchestrated by government agents. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Louisiana announced their release on Wednesday, citing legal challenges to their detainment and accusing the government of violating established immigration procedures. According to court documents, Pouria Pourhosseinhendabad and Parisa Firouzabadi were misled by ICE agents who claimed they were investigating a hit-and-run accident that the couple had reported earlier.

When the couple complied and led officers to their car, they were subsequently arrested without a warrant. While Pourhosseinhendabad remains on an active F-1 student visa and continues his studies, ICE alleged that Firouzabadi’s visa was revoked in 2023, making her deportable. Nora Ahmed, the legal director of the ACLU of Louisiana, called the students’ release a significant affirmation of immigrants’ rights.

She expressed relief that they were finally free but emphasized the dangers of unchecked government power, which can lead to widespread abuses of authority. The events surrounding their arrest unfolded on June 22, shortly after the U.S. military attacked Iranian nuclear sites, leading to speculation that their detainment was racially motivated. The couple’s attorneys argue that the arrests reflected a discrimination reminiscent of past injustices, including the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.

Despite the accusations against Firouzabadi, her attorneys assert that she maintains legal status as she is actively enrolled in classes and working at the university. Pourhosseinhendabad, in full compliance with his visa requirements, faced a similar violation of due process and equal protection rights in their arrest and detention.