Judge Orders Release of Iranian Bodybuilder Detained in US

A federal judge has ordered the release of Iranian bodybuilder Hamid Ziaei, detained by US immigration for over five months. Ziaei, fearing persecution if returned to Iran, was held without clear deportation progress. Legal arguments centered on due process violations and prolonged detention effects on Ziaei's health.

A federal judge has mandated the release of Iranian migrant and bodybuilder Hamid Ziaei, who has been detained by US immigration authorities for more than five months without clear deportation progress. Attorneys representing Ziaei reported that he was held in New Mexico, nearly six months after his custody began during a routine check-in with ICE in California.

Ziaei, who fled Iran to avoid persecution, was initially granted provisional work authorization in the US. Despite his asylum request being rejected, he was released due to concerns of potential persecution if returned to Iran. However, he was re-detained in June while living in Irvine, California.

Despite immigration authorities' claims citing a US Supreme Court ruling allowing six months for deportation arrangements, Judge Matthew Garcia announced Ziaei's impending release. During detention, Ziaei experienced anxiety, panic attacks, and health issues, which he feared would affect his future athletic career.

(With inputs from agencies.)