A lawful green card holder spent 77 days in ICE detention despite his legal status, exposing dangerous government overreach that threatens every immigrant’s constitutional rights.
Story Snapshot
- Reza Zavvar, Maryland green card holder, detained by ICE for 77 days without criminal charges
- Detention occurred during routine check, raising concerns about due process violations
- Legal intervention and public pressure secured his release in September 2025
- Case highlights ICE’s expanded enforcement targeting lawful residents since 2017
Legal Resident Detained Without Due Process
Reza Zavvar’s 77-day detention represents government overreach at its worst. Despite holding lawful permanent resident status, ICE detained Zavvar during a routine check in early June 2025. His case demonstrates how bureaucratic incompetence and expanded enforcement priorities under previous administrations created a system where legal immigrants face wrongful imprisonment. The prolonged detention without criminal charges violates basic due process protections that should safeguard all residents.
Administrative Errors Threaten Immigrant Communities
ICE’s detention of green card holders stems from administrative confusion and outdated record-keeping systems. Since 2017, broadened enforcement priorities led to increased detentions of non-citizens, including lawful residents like Zavvar. Immigration attorneys report similar cases involving Claudio Rojas in Florida and Mohamadou Lamine Mbacke, highlighting systemic problems. These incidents create fear among legal immigrant communities who should feel secure in their status.
Advocacy Groups Challenge Government Authority
Civil rights organizations, including ACLU Maryland and CASA, mobilized extensive legal and public pressure campaigns for Zavvar’s release. Their efforts exposed ICE’s refusal to provide transparency about detention decisions. Immigration attorneys stress the need for clearer guidelines preventing wrongful detentions of lawful residents. The case underscores how advocacy groups serve as essential checks against government overreach when federal agencies exceed their authority.
Constitutional Rights Under Attack
Zavvar’s ordeal reveals how immigration enforcement threatens constitutional protections for all residents. Legal experts highlight due process concerns surrounding ICE’s authority over green card holders. The economic disruption to Zavvar’s employment and family finances demonstrates the broader impact of government incompetence. His release after 77 days proves the detention lacked legitimate justification, raising questions about accountability within federal agencies that operate without proper oversight.
Sources:
The Washington Post – Maryland Green Card Holder Released After ICE Detention
Baltimore Sun – Immigrant Rights Groups Celebrate Zavvar’s Release
NPR Maryland – ICE Detention Practices Under Scrutiny
