US Resident of 60 Years Detained by ICE at 77

Key Takeaways:

• Kazem Majd, a 77-year-old man, has been detained by ICE despite living in the US for over 60 years
• Majd has complex medical needs, including a rare liver disease, diabetes, and recent gallbladder removal
• His daughter, Olia Majd, is advocating for his release due to his fragile health and lack of criminal history
• Majd’s green card was revoked 23 years ago due to a financial issue, but he has been checking in with ICE annually without incident
• His family is concerned about the impact of detention on his health and is seeking his immediate release

Introduction to Kazem Majd’s Story
Kazem Majd, a 77-year-old man, has been living in the United States for over 60 years. He came to the country as a teenager on a student visa and has since made America his home. Despite his long history in the US, Majd has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to a complex and outdated immigration issue. His daughter, Olia Majd, is speaking out in hopes of securing her father’s immediate release, citing his fragile health and lack of criminal history.

Majd’s Immigration History
Majd’s immigration story began in 1965 when he arrived in the US as a teenager. He was issued a green card and has been living in the country ever since. However, 23 years ago, his green card was revoked due to a financial issue. Despite this, Majd has been checking in with ICE annually without incident. His daughter, Olia, notes that her father has never missed a check-in and has always been compliant with ICE’s requirements. It is unclear why Majd’s annual check-in this year resulted in his detention, especially given his complex medical needs.

Majd’s Medical Condition
Majd is currently battling a rare and serious liver disease called primary sclerosing cholangitis. He also has diabetes and recently had his gallbladder removed. His daughter describes his health as "deteriorating" and notes that he requires daily medications, frequent MRIs, and ongoing specialist care. The conditions inside the detention facility where Majd is being held are a major concern for his family, who fear that his health will decline further without proper care. Olia Majd is advocating for her father’s release, arguing that he can be monitored and receive the medical care he needs from the comfort of his own home.

Detention and Its Impact
Majd’s detention has been a devastating blow to his family, who are worried about the impact it will have on his health. Olia Majd spoke to her father over the phone shortly after he was taken into custody and described him as "scared" and "worried" about her. The emotional toll of detention is clear, with Majd’s daughter noting that she feels "helpless" and has "no control" over the situation. The family is urging ICE to release Majd, citing his complex medical needs and lack of criminal history. They argue that detention is not only unnecessary but also cruel, given Majd’s fragile state.

Advocacy and Next Steps
Olia Majd is determined to fight for her father’s release and is advocating for his immediate freedom. She is working with her family and supporters to raise awareness about her father’s case and to pressure ICE to release him. The family is also seeking legal representation to explore all available options for securing Majd’s release. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether ICE will take into account Majd’s complex medical needs and grant him the release his family is seeking. One thing is clear, however: the detention of Kazem Majd has highlighted the need for a more compassionate and humane approach to immigration enforcement, one that takes into account the complex needs and circumstances of individuals like Majd.