(Photo: Facebook/US Border Patrol Ramey Sector)
Amid increasing scrutiny of immigration policies, two Iranian Christian sisters have been released from U.S. federal detention. This development comes after a judge granted their release, allowing the siblings to await further legal proceedings outside of detention facilities.
Mahan Motahari, 38, and Mozhan Motahari, 31, were released following a successful petition filed by their attorney. Mozhan was freed on January 17, with Mahan following shortly after, as reported by Episcopal News Service.
Since arriving in the United States in 2022, the sisters have been active participants in St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean, Virginia. The church’s rector, Rev. Fran Gardner-Smith, expressed immense joy at their release, stating, “We were just thrilled by the news of their release and can’t wait to welcome them back [to the church] when they’re feeling well enough.”
Gardner-Smith emphasized their innocence, noting, “They’ve done nothing wrong. There are people all around our country who are being detained for spurious reasons. … My joy [at the Motaharis’ release] is so tempered with seeing what’s happening to others.” Both Gardner-Smith and St. Thomas’ congregation have been staunch supporters of the sisters during their ordeal.
The U.S. Border Patrol Ramey Sector initially detained the sisters, alleging they had illegally entered the U.S. Virgin Islands after Thanksgiving. Their Facebook post described encountering “two illegal aliens from Iran” and stated the individuals were processed for removal proceedings.
A statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reiterated that their officers had found the sisters at the Cyril E. King Airport and proceeded with arresting them for removal. “No fun in the sun when you are unlawfully present,” the agency remarked.
Representing the sisters, attorney Parastoo Zahedi refuted claims of illegal entry, informing ENS that they had applied for asylum legally. Zahedi highlighted that previous U.S. administrations permitted asylum seekers to remain in the country during the processing of their cases.
Immigration enforcement has seen a significant escalation under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has detained and deported numerous undocumented individuals. Critics argue that many, including those following legal immigration processes, have been unfairly targeted. The administration’s policies have also affected other Iranian Christians, such as the 11 deported to Panama last year.
In related events, last June, an Iranian pastor in California reported the detention of five members of his congregation, including a family seeking asylum.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
