PHOENIX, Ariz. – In a gritty turn of events, Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, 41, an Iranian national, and his wife, Linet Vartanniavartanians, 37, a naturalized U.S. citizen, have been handed guilty charges after their confrontational encounter with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in June.
Eidivand, lacking legal status to reside in the United States, pleaded guilty to Alien in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition on August 21. His wife, Vartanniavartanians, pleaded guilty to Threats Against a Federal Law Enforcement Officer. The couple’s sentencing is set for November 26, 2025.
The incident unfolded on June 21, 2025, in Tempe, Arizona. Eidivand admitted to having two firearms, a violation strictly prohibited under the Alien and Nationality Act. His wife, when ICE officers arrived at her home, made chilling threats against the officers, including promises of violence if they attempted entry.
“I’m not letting anybody enter my home without my permission,” Vartanniavartanians declared. Her threats included explicit mentions of a loaded gun and intent to use it.
Both defendants now face significant penalties. Alien in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition carries a maximum term of 15 years, $250,000 fine, or both, plus up to three years of supervised release. Threats Against a Federal Law Enforcement Officer carries up to 10 years, $250,000 fine, or both, with similar supervised release terms.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a DOJ initiative targeting illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations. It was investigated by ICE ERO, Homeland Security Investigations, and the FBI’s Phoenix Division, with prosecution handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona.
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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