A longtime U.S. resident and green card holder, Reza Zavvar, 52, was detained by federal immigration agents while walking his dog near his Maryland home on June 28. Zavvar, originally from Iran, has lived in the United States for four decades and is now being held in a Texas detention facility, according to his family.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Zavvar was arrested by ICE and Customs and Border Protection agents based on a prior criminal conviction and a long-standing deportation order.
DHS: Deportation Order Issued in 2007
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek that Zavvar is considered “a criminal illegal alien from Iran” with a prior conviction for attempted possession of a controlled substance. Following that conviction, a judge issued a final removal order in 2007.
“He had nearly 20 years to leave voluntarily,” McLaughlin said. “The Trump administration will not ignore the rule of law. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.”
Background on the Case
Zavvar first arrived in the U.S. legally at age 12 to pursue his education. According to his family and attorney, he obtained a green card and built a life in America. However, a misdemeanor marijuana charge in the 1990s triggered complications.
In 2004, he was stopped at a U.S. port of entry, which led to immigration proceedings. In 2007, Zavvar was granted a “withholding of removal” to Iran—a form of relief that allows individuals to remain in the U.S. if their deportation would pose a risk.
Despite that protection, Zavvar is now in custody and facing deportation under renewed immigration enforcement efforts by the Trump administration.
Sweeping Immigration Crackdown
The Trump administration has vowed to carry out what it calls the largest deportation operation in American history. That effort has included detaining not only undocumented immigrants, but also green card holders and visa applicants with prior convictions or unresolved legal issues.
Dozens of green card holders, like Zavvar, have reportedly been swept up in recent ICE raids.
Family Devastated by Sudden Arrest
Zavvar’s mother, Firouzeh Firouzabadi, told NBC4 Washington she was alarmed when agents appeared at her front door holding her son’s dog, Duke. “My heart sank. I thought maybe a car hit him,” she said. “I was shaking.”
Zavvar was initially taken to Baltimore for questioning and then transferred to Texas. His sister, Maryam Zavvar, said the family has been kept in the dark about what comes next. “We don’t know why he’s being held so far away. We’re terrified,” she said.
Where Things Stand
The family’s attorney says Zavvar’s deportation may not be to Iran. The government has reportedly issued removal orders to either Romania or Australia, though it’s unclear why. Zavvar’s supporters are now seeking legal avenues to halt the deportation.
“He’s everyone’s favorite,” said family friend Bany Alavi. “You can trust him with anything. He’s a good man.”
The case has added to growing concerns among immigrant communities about the widening scope of ICE enforcement, even against long-term legal residents with deep roots in the U.S.
