Arrest of Iranian Father Outside Child’s Kindergarten Sparks Concern in U.S. Community
A 38-year-old father was detained by immigration authorities outside his child’s preschool in Oregon, according to the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Mehr News Agency and CBS News.
A spokesperson for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed to CBS News that Mehdi Khanbabazadeh, an Iranian national, was arrested.
The spokesperson added that ICE agents broke a vehicle window during the arrest.
Randy Kornfeld, who was dropping off his granddaughter at Guidepost Montessori school in South Beaverton, Oregon, at the time of the incident, described the situation as “complete chaos.” He said many parents were upset-and rightfully so. “This should not happen outside a preschool or any school,” he stated.
According to The Associated Press, Natalie Berning expressed her concern after taking her daughter to a Montessori preschool in Beaverton: “From my personal perspective, preschools-where young children are cared for-should be safe places. This is harmful not only for the family involved but also for all other children.”
Khanbabazadeh’s wife stated that he has always maintained legal residency status. She explained that after Mehdi arrived on a valid student visa and they later married, they submitted all required documents to clarify their status and have been awaiting a final decision following their green card interview months ago.
The Associated Press noted that since May, U.S.immigration officials have substantially increased arrests nationwide. Shortly after President Donald Trump took office in January, his management lifted restrictions protecting immigrants from detention at schools, medical centers, and places of worship-raising concerns about visiting locations once considered safe spaces.
