Judge Orders Immediate Release of Iranian Bodybuilder From New Mexico Detention
Federal Ruling on Indefinite Detention
In a significant ruling, a federal judge in Albuquerque has ordered the immediate release of 42-year-old Iranian national Hamid Ziaei from the Torrance County Detention Facility in Estancia. The decision comes after the judge determined that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) had failed to take appropriate steps to deport Ziaei, resulting in what was deemed an indefinite detention.
Ziaei’s Journey to the U.S.
Ziaei arrived in the United States in 2024, fleeing Iran due to fears of retaliation for his vocal criticisms of the Iranian government. After being granted protection from removal to Iran by an immigration judge in June 2024, Ziaei was arrested by ICE in 2025 during a scheduled immigration appointment in San Diego. He was then transferred to the Estancia facility, where he remained for several months.
Legal Challenges and Due Process Concerns
Ziaei’s legal team, representing him through a habeas corpus petition, argued that his prolonged detention violated his Fifth Amendment due process rights. They asserted that ICE had not demonstrated a credible plan for his removal to a third country, which is crucial in cases where returning to one’s home country poses significant risks. The federal judge emphasized the need for timely action from the government regarding Ziaei’s status, indicating that a written order for his release would follow shortly.
Conditions at the Torrance County Detention Facility
The Torrance County Detention Facility has faced scrutiny over its conditions, particularly following the expiration of ICE’s contract with CoreCivic, the private operator of the facility. Reports have surfaced detailing inadequate food and water access, as well as concerning mental and physical health issues among detainees. Ziaei’s attorney, Tiffany Wang, highlighted these conditions, stating that the facility is not suitable for holding individuals, and noted that Ziaei had experienced respiratory issues and deteriorating mental health while in detention.
Broader Implications for Immigration Policy
This case highlights ongoing challenges within the U.S. immigration system, particularly regarding the treatment of detainees and the complexities involved in deportation processes. When individuals cannot be returned to their home countries due to fears of persecution or legal protections, ICE must seek third countries willing to accept them—a process that can be slow and fraught with diplomatic hurdles. The Ziaei case may influence future discussions around immigration enforcement, the role of private detention facilities, and the rights of noncitizens under U.S. law.
As the legal landscape surrounding immigration continues to evolve, the implications of this ruling could resonate far beyond Ziaei’s situation, potentially impacting many others facing similar predicaments. Advocates for immigration reform are likely to cite this case in their ongoing efforts to address the treatment of detainees and the policies surrounding indefinite detention.
