On June 24, 2025, a federal grand jury in Phoenix indicted Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, an Iranian national residing in Tempe, Arizona, for Alien in Possession of a Firearm. His wife, Linet Vartanniavartanians, a U.S. citizen also from Tempe, was indicted for Threatening to Assault a Federal Officer.
Court documents reveal that on June 21, 2025, officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) visited the couple’s residence to arrest Eidivand due to non-compliance with a 2013 removal order. Despite several challenges by Eidivand against this order, the Board of Immigration Appeals consistently denied his motions. Eidivand remained in the United States for over ten years despite the court’s directive to return to Iran.
When ICE ERO officers arrived at their home, they were met by Vartanniavartanians who refused entry without a warrant. Tempe Police later informed ICE ERO that Vartanniavartanians had threatened to shoot federal officers if they attempted entry. She allegedly claimed possession of a loaded gun and threatened violence against any officer trying to enter or approaching her outside.
The next day, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents and ICE ERO officers executed a federal search warrant at the residence. They discovered two loaded firearms inside—one on the kitchen counter and another on a nightstand. Both individuals were arrested without further incident.
A conviction for Alien in Possession of a Firearm can result in up to 15 years imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. Threatening to Assault a Federal Officer carries up to 10 years imprisonment and/or the same fine amount.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. The operation involves collaboration between various Department of Justice initiatives including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
An indictment indicates charges but does not imply guilt; individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt by evidence presented before a jury.
The investigation is being conducted by HSI Phoenix along with ICE ERO and the FBI’s Phoenix Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Addison Owen is prosecuting the case.
