On July 15, 2025, ICE agents arrested Dr. Mahdi Khanbabazadeh, a 38-year-old Iranian chiropractor, outside Guidepost Montessori in Beaverton, Oregon, as he dropped off his child. This marks the first confirmed ICE arrest at an Oregon school since federal policy changes earlier in 2025 allowed enforcement actions at sensitive locations like schools.
Dr. Mahdi Khanbabazadeh’s Arrest: What Happened?
ICE agents stopped Dr. Khanbabazadeh while he was driving his child to preschool. They allowed him to proceed to Guidepost Montessori so his child could be dropped off safely. After his wife arrived to take the child inside, agents arrested Dr. Khanbabazadeh in the parking lot. ICE claims he resisted arrest and refused to exit his vehicle, so agents broke a window to remove him. The arrest happened in front of parents, children, and staff, causing distress and confusion.
ICE stated that Dr. Khanbabazadeh had overstayed his student visa. He is now being held at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington. According to his family and attorney, Dr. Khanbabazadeh lawfully entered the United States 🇺🇸 in 2017 on a student visa, married a U.S. citizen, and has a pending green card application after attending an interview with his wife. His family disputes ICE’s claim that he was unlawfully present.
Community and School Response
The arrest deeply rattled the school community. Guidepost Montessori and its parent organization, Guidepost Global Education, issued statements expressing concern for the emotional well-being of children and families. The school went into a “soft lockdown” and held meetings with families to address concerns. Maris Mendes, CEO of Guidepost Montessori, called the incident “deeply upsetting” and affirmed support for the affected family and staff.
Parents and community members described the arrest as “heartless” and “traumatizing.” Many questioned why ICE agents chose to arrest Dr. Khanbabazadeh at a preschool during drop-off hours. Local and state officials, including Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty and Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, condemned the arrest and criticized the decision to conduct an enforcement action at a school.
Policy Changes: Sensitive Locations No Longer Protected
Until early 2025, ICE policy generally prohibited enforcement actions at or near sensitive locations, such as schools, hospitals, and houses of worship, except in emergencies. This policy, which began during the Obama administration and continued under President Biden, aimed to protect children and families from the fear of immigration enforcement in places considered safe.
In early 2025, the Trump administration rescinded this policy. Now, ICE agents can conduct arrests at sensitive locations without the previous restrictions. Immigration advocates and civil rights groups have challenged this change in federal court, arguing it endangers children and undermines trust in public institutions. The Trump administration has prioritized aggressive immigration enforcement, describing it as the largest deportation effort in U.S. history.
Timeline of the Incident
- Traffic Stop: ICE agents stopped Dr. Khanbabazadeh while he was driving his child to Guidepost Montessori.
- Preschool Parking Lot: Agents allowed him to drop off his child. His wife arrived to take the child inside.
- Arrest: Dr. Khanbabazadeh reportedly asked to move off school grounds before being arrested. ICE agents broke a car window and forcibly removed him after he allegedly refused to exit the vehicle.
- Detention: He was taken to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington, where he remains in custody.
Stakeholder Perspectives
- Family and Legal Counsel: Dr. Khanbabazadeh’s family and attorney insist he has always maintained lawful status and is waiting for his green card approval. Immigration attorney Caroline Medeiros, who is consulting for the family, emphasized that he had completed his green card interview and was awaiting a decision.
- School and Parents: Guidepost Montessori and parents expressed shock and concern for the children who witnessed the arrest. The school is providing counseling and support for affected families.
- Community Witnesses: Many described the arrest as unnecessary and harmful, especially since it happened in front of young children.
- ICE Statement: ICE defended the timing and location of the arrest, saying there were concerns about flight risk and resistance during the operation.
- Local and State Officials: Officials condemned the arrest and called for reinstating protections for sensitive locations.
Practical Implications and Policy Effects
- For Immigrants: The end of the sensitive locations policy means immigrants, even those with pending legal status like Dr. Khanbabazadeh, can be arrested at schools, hospitals, and other places that were previously considered safe.
- For Schools and Communities: The incident has increased anxiety and trauma among children, families, and staff. Schools are reviewing safety protocols and offering counseling resources.
- For Legal Proceedings: Dr. Khanbabazadeh’s case may become a test for legal challenges against the new enforcement policy, especially regarding due process for those with pending immigration applications.
- For Policy Advocacy: Advocacy groups and some lawmakers are pushing for legislative or judicial action to reinstate protections for sensitive locations.
What Happens Next for Dr. Khanbabazadeh?
- Detention: He remains at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma, Washington.
- Legal Review: His attorney is expected to file for emergency relief, possibly including a motion to stay removal and a habeas corpus petition, citing his pending green card application and marriage to a U.S. citizen.
- Immigration Court: A hearing will be scheduled to determine if he can stay in the United States 🇺🇸, possibly based on his marriage to a U.S. citizen.
- Community Support: Local advocacy groups and the school community are organizing support, including legal defense funds and public awareness campaigns.
Future Outlook and Pending Developments
The outcome of Dr. Khanbabazadeh’s case may set a precedent for similar cases involving immigrants with pending legal status who are arrested under the new enforcement rules. Ongoing lawsuits and public pressure may lead to changes in the policy or new protections for sensitive locations. Schools and community organizations are likely to increase advocacy and support services for families at risk of immigration enforcement.
Official Resources and Contacts
- For information about ICE detention, visit the ICE Detainee Locator.
- Guidepost Montessori is providing support for affected families.
- Local legal aid organizations, such as the Oregon Immigration Resource Center and the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Oregon Chapter, are available to help.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this incident has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed debate over immigration enforcement near sensitive locations. The case of Dr. Mahdi Khanbabazadeh remains uncertain, and its outcome could shape future immigration policy and community safety across the United States 🇺🇸. Families, schools, and advocates continue to call for clear protections and humane treatment for immigrants, especially in places where children and families gather.
Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, responsible for enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Sensitive Locations → Places like schools, hospitals, and churches where ICE enforcement was previously restricted to protect vulnerable groups.
Student Visa → A nonimmigrant visa allowing foreign students to study in the U.S., typically with time-limited stay.
Green Card → A document granting lawful permanent residence and the right to live and work in the U.S.
Habeas Corpus → A legal petition requesting a court to review the legality of a person’s detention or imprisonment.
This Article in a Nutshell
ICE arrested Dr. Khanbabazadeh at an Oregon preschool in July 2025, marking a policy shift allowing arrests at sensitive locations, sparking community trauma and legal challenges over immigrant rights.
— By VisaVerge.com
