Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in Los Angeles recently arrested several Iranian asylum-seekers during a routine check-in at a local immigration office, prompting alarm among civil rights activists and immigrant support organizations. Their arrest has raised serious concerns among civil rights advocates as well as organizations representing immigrant rights. It also raises important questions regarding asylum-seeker treatment as well as changes to U.S. immigration policy in general.
Eyewitnesses and attorneys representing detainees reported on Tuesday that six asylum-seekers from Iran who had fled due to political persecution or threats to their safety had been taken into custody on Tuesday and were complying with all immigration procedures, setting appointments with U.S. immigration authorities for check-in appointments as required.
Immigration attorney Leila Mansouri who represents two detainees said, “Many of these individuals were under court orders of supervision while their asylum claims were being considered,” and thus were adhering to rules while appearing for court dates as required, yet now are locked away – undermining fair process principles and the principle of equal treatment.
These arrests come at a time of increasing tensions between Iran and the US, and of increased scrutiny on asylum applications from high-risk countries such as Afghanistan or Sudan. While ICE has yet to publicly state why these detainees were detained, a spokesperson confirmed their arrests by noting they all violated terms of their immigration status or had outstanding removal orders against them.
Local advocacy groups such as the Los Angeles Refugee Coalition quickly and harshly condemned the arrests, calling them unnecessary and cruel. The coalition issued a joint statement demanding federal authorities release asylum-seekers immediately in line with U.S. obligations under the 1951 Refugee Convention.
“These individuals are fleeing violence, repression, and religious persecution,” stated Sarah Montoya of the coalition. Treating them like criminals while their claims are evaluated sends the wrong signal about America’s commitment to human rights.
On Wednesday afternoon in Downtown Los Angeles, family members of detainees gathered peacefully outside the federal building with signs reading “Asylum Is a Human Right” and “Stop Detaining Vulnerable People.” Many expressed fear for their loved ones’ safety should they be deported back to Iran where dissent against government can carry severe penalties.
U.S. asylum systems have faced major hurdles over recent years, from backlogged courts and shifting policies affecting thousands of applicants to enforce measures which may deter legitimate asylum-seekers from coming forward, driving them underground or into undocumented status or into hiding. Human rights organizations warn that such enforcement measures may deter legitimate applicants from coming forward – leading them to avoid reporting for asylum altogether or going into hiding status instead.
As legal proceedings develop, attorneys have indicated they plan to file emergency stays of removal and appeals for humanitarian parole. “We will fight each case individually,” noted Mansouri, “but this should never have happened in the first place.”
ICE officials have not confirmed if additional arrests will occur or whether this action was part of an overall enforcement strategy, while supporters of Iranian asylum-seekers continue to demand accountability, transparency and compassion in U.S. immigration systems.
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