PHOENIX — A federal grand jury returned an indictment on June 24, against Iranian national Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, 40, and his wife Linet Vartanniavartanians, 37, a U.S. citizen, following alleged threats against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers.
According to court documents, on June 21, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers attempted to arrest Eidivand at the couple’s Tempe residence due to his failure to comply with a 2013 removal order. Eidivand has contested this removal order multiple times, but the Board of Immigration Appeals has denied his motions consistently. Despite the order for his removal, he remained in the U.S. for over 10 years.
When ICE officers announced themselves at the couple’s home, they spoke with Vartanniavartanians, who refused to open the door and insisted that the officers return with a warrant. It was during this time that she allegedly threatened to shoot the federal officers, claiming she was armed and would use the weapon if anyone attempted to enter the house. Additionally, she threatened to exit the residence and shoot the ICE officers directly…