Federal Judge Orders Release of Iranian Bodybuilder Detained for Months

Tue Dec 16 2025 15:09:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Hamid Ziaei, an Iranian migrant and bodybuilder, has been granted release after being held by U.S. immigration authorities without resolution on his deportation for over five months. His attorneys argue his detention violated due process rights.

Hamid Ziaei, an Iranian migrant and bodybuilder, will be released from U.S. custody after a federal judge ruled that his prolonged detention at a New Mexico facility was unjustified. Ziaei, who fled Iran citing fears of persecution, had been held since June 2024 despite no progress on his deportation case. His lawyers criticized the government's lack of evidence supporting a potential removal. Ziaei's detention led to serious health issues and hindered his ability to work as a personal trainer.

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) — A federal judge has ordered the release of Hamid Ziaei, an Iranian migrant and bodybuilder, after he was detained for over five months by U.S. immigration authorities.

Ziaei’s attorneys argued in a court hearing that their client was held without apparent progress on his deportation to any country other than Iran, where he fears persecution.

The (U.S.) government provided no evidence that there was any likelihood of Mr. Ziaei’s removal in the reasonable, foreseeable future, commented Rachel Landry, an attorney with Innovation Law Lab.

Ziaei fled Iran in January 2024 following persecution for speaking out against the regime and arrived in the U.S. in San Diego. Although his asylum request was denied, he was released for work authorization based on significant concerns regarding persecution if returned to Iran.

Despite successfully supporting himself through various jobs in California, Ziaei was taken back into custody in June.

Court documents indicate that ICE began reviewing his case for removal to a third country in August. The legal team emphasized that Ziaei faced health issues during detention, suffering from anxiety, panic attacks, and significant weight loss due to deferred medical care.

U.S. District Court Judge Matthew Garcia has indicated that he will finalize an order for Ziaei’s release within the next 24 hours.