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Iranian immigrant arrested in front of daughter, denied bond despite no criminal record

Dec 12, 2025

Country of origin: Iran

Iranian immigrant arrested in front of daughter, denied bond despite no criminal record
Photo via Texas Tribune

Shahrokh Rahimi, a 54-year-old Iranian immigrant and San Antonio restaurant owner who has lived in the U.S. for more than two decades, was arrested by ICE/DHS officers at his home on June 22, 2025, in front of his 12-year-old daughter and neighbors, days after U.S. military strikes on Iran. He entered the country in 2003 and in 2010 was granted withholding of removal after an immigration judge found he would likely face persecution or torture if returned to Iran, having since complied with all check-in requirements for 15 years. His wife, Brandi Rahimi, describes him as a devoted father who calls their daughter every morning before school and has volunteered as a school mentor and helped neighbors and veterans in the community. The Texas Civil Rights Project filed a habeas corpus petition on his behalf, arguing he had previously been granted bond and lived safely in the community for years. On December 9, 2025, he was denied bond in a hearing his wife said lasted less than 10 minutes, and he remains in ICE custody, describing hearing other detainees cry at night. His family has spent roughly $30,000 on legal fees and gone five months without his income; his case is one of five profiled by the Texas Tribune involving ICE arrests of Texans without criminal convictions.

Timeline

Dec 12, 2025Family reported spending about $30,000 on legal fees and going five months without his income while he remains detained.
Dec 9, 2025Denied bond in a hearing his wife said lasted less than 10 minutes; remains in ICE custody.
Oct 23, 2025Texas Civil Rights Project filed a habeas corpus petition seeking his release, citing his prior bond eligibility and 15 years of compliance.
Jun 22, 2025Arrested by ICE/DHS officers at his San Antonio home in front of his 12-year-old daughter, days after U.S. strikes on Iran.
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