News Summary
Sharareh Moghadam, an Iranian woman with a valid green card, was detained by ICE after attending an immigration appointment. Her husband, Hooshang Aghdassi, fears for her safety and urges community support. The couple’s balloon shop has become a gathering place for locals advocating for her release amidst concerns over rising immigrant detentions under stricter policies.
Studio City – An Iranian woman, Sharareh Moghadam, has been detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following her in-person immigration appointment nearly a month ago. This unexpected turn of events has prompted an outpouring of community support in Studio City, where her husband, Hooshang Aghdassi, runs a local balloon shop.
Moghadam attended the meeting on the belief that it would bring her a step closer to citizenship. However, upon her arrival, she was taken into custody and subsequently transferred to a detention facility in Phoenix. According to Aghdassi, his wife held a valid green card and had successfully passed her citizenship exam, only awaiting her ceremony to finalize her status. He insists that Moghadam is not a criminal, emphasizing that she entered the United States legally and has maintained proper documentation throughout her time in the country.
Amidst this turmoil, Aghdassi has conjectured that Moghadam’s recent trip to Iran may have played a role in her detention. However, ICE has disputed this claim, reporting that Moghadam has a record that includes two theft convictions since 2015. Moghadam’s legal journey in the U.S. began in 2014; she obtained lawful status in 2016. This context adds complexity to her case.
Despite the serious accusations, the couple’s balloon shop on Laurel Canyon has become a hub of community support, drawing customers who are eager to express their solidarity. Many supporters have signed a petition urging for Moghadam’s release, signifying the wider concern for her and Aghdassi’s plight.
Aghdassi conveys a deep sense of insecurity regarding their future, voicing a desperate hope for reuniting with his wife. He fears that if Moghadam is not released within a month, she may decide to self-deport, as she is concerned about her well-being in detention. This situation mirrors a broader trend in Los Angeles, where immigrant detentions have increased amid the Trump administration’s stricter immigration policies.
Statistics reveal a notable surge in migrant detentions under Trump’s second term, with nearly 60,930 migrants detained by August 31, 2025, including 29% with prior criminal convictions. This climate of enforcement not only affects undocumented immigrants but also those like Moghadam, who have sought refuge or stability in the United States.
Aghdassi, who immigrated to the U.S. in 1977 to escape persecution in Iran, reflects on a profound change in his feelings towards America—a country he once viewed as a land of opportunity now feels overwhelming and uncertain. In his neighborhood of Studio City, community members have rallied, eager to share his and Moghadam’s story, demonstrating the local sentiment surrounding their case.
The couple’s case is emblematic of the ongoing national debate over immigration policies and the challenges faced by immigrants striving for normalcy and security. Meanwhile, efforts by community members to reach out and advocate for Moghadam’s release continue to gain momentum. These communal initiatives reflect a powerful narrative of resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.
As of yet, there has been no response from the Department of Homeland Security following inquiries regarding Moghadam’s situation, leaving many in the community anxious and hopeful for a swift resolution.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Immigration in the United States
- ABC7
- Google Search: Immigration Detention in the United States
- Los Angeles Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration and Nationality Act
- Newsweek
- Google News: ICE Detentions 2025
Author: STAFF HERE LOS ANGELES WRITER
LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
