The possible deportation of Iranian Christian converts Mahan and Mozhan Motahari has drawn sharp concern from church leaders, immigration advocates, and lawmakers. The sisters, active members of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in McLean, Virginia, were arrested by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in early December while visiting the U.S. Virgin Islands. A CBP post on X claimed they were “illegally present” in the U.S., though their attorney disputes that claim. The public nature of the arrest has caused fear and frustration in their congregation, where many see it as a violation of both privacy and human rights.
Church and Community Left Stunned
The Rev. Fran Gardner-Smith said the sisters were deeply involved in church life since arriving in the U.S. in 2022. Baptized the same year, they participated in worship, volunteer activities, and fellowship events. “They bring joy and faith to our community,” Gardner-Smith said. The CBP post shocked the congregation, which includes other Iranian members. Many now fear for their own safety and immigration status. The priest added that the sisters’ detention has left “a wound in the body of Christ” among her parishioners, many of whom have fled similar religious persecution.
Legal Dispute Over Immigration Status
Parastoo G. Zahedi, the sisters’ immigration attorney, said the Motaharis had valid asylum claims and employment authorization documents valid through 2030. She emphasized they were legally allowed to remain in the U.S. while their asylum cases were pending. The sisters, she noted, were simply on a family trip at the time of their arrest. She condemned CBP’s decision to post the women’s images online, warning it could jeopardize their safety if returned to Iran. Their uncovered heads in the shared photos make their identities unmistakable, increasing the risks of imprisonment or torture.
Broader Concerns for Iranian Christian Converts
The Motaharis’ case follows reports of similar detentions of Iranian Christians under the Trump administration. In June, a video showing the arrest of two Iranian converts in Los Angeles sparked outrage. The footage captured federal agents detaining them despite pending asylum claims. Advocates say these arrests reflect a shift in U.S. policy, even as officials publicly cite the persecution of Christians in Iran to justify foreign policy positions. A hunger strike by an Iranian pastor and recent mass deportations have intensified scrutiny on U.S. actions.
Lawmakers and Church Officials Seek Answers
St. Thomas leaders are working with clergy in Florida and contacting lawmakers, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen, a fellow Episcopalian, to intervene. Meanwhile, the sisters remain detained in Florida, where Zahedi is pushing to expedite their case. Gardner-Smith said her greatest fear is their return to Iran, where Christians face violence and imprisonment for converting. Episcopal clergy are also seeking visitation rights, though they report facing legal and bureaucratic obstacles. The church continues to pray and advocate, calling for compassion and justice for the sisters and others like them.
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Priest says sisters slated for deportation are Christians who could face persecution by Iran
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