Phoenix, Ariz. – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against Iranian national Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, 40, and his wife, Linet Vartanniavartanians, 37, following a harrowing confrontation with ICE officers in Tempe on June 21st. The couple faces serious charges after Eidivand’s wife threatened to shoot federal officers.
Eidivand, an alien in possession of a firearm, had been ordered removed from the United States in 2013 but remained despite court orders. During a tense encounter at their residence, Vartanniavartanians reportedly refused to open the door and vowed to use lethal force against any officers who dared enter.
According to documents filed in the case, the couple’s home held two loaded firearms, one on the kitchen counter and another on a nightstand. Both Eidivand and Vartanniavartanians were arrested without incident during a subsequent search by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) officers.
Eidivand now faces up to 15 years in prison for the firearm charge, while his wife could be sentenced to 10 years for threatening a federal officer. The couple’s case is part of Operation Take Back America, a DOJ initiative combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations.
An indictment does not imply guilt; defendants are innocent until proven otherwise. The investigation is being conducted by HSI Phoenix, ICE ERO, the FBI’s Phoenix Office, with prosecution handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Addison Owen of the District of Arizona.
CASE NUMBER: CR-25-00931-PHX-DGC | RELEASE NUMBER: 2025-099_Eidivand, et al.
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Key Facts
- State: Arizona
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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