Free Yousof Azizi!

Dear Honorable Senators,

To Honorable Senators:
— Mark Warner
— Tim Kaine
— Ruben Gallego

Dear Honorable Senators:

We, the undersigned, are writing to you regarding an urgent matter involving one of your constituents.  On April 14, 2026, Yousof Azizi, a final-year PhD student in public policy at the University of Virginia and a valid visa holder, was arrested in front of his home by ICE forces, and up to this moment he has not been allowed to meet with his lawyer. ICE officials have informed him that he will soon be transferred to a detention camp for undocumented immigrants in Louisiana.

This arrest is clearly illegal and improper given that Mr. Azizi holds a valid visa and absolutely no deficiencies exist in his visa record. Azizi is a well-known media figure in the Persian-language sphere who has participated in hundreds of debates and discussions across various media outlets, including BBC Persian. There is no doubt that his arrest—given that he has been one of the rare voices opposing war and sanctions against the people of Iran on BBC Persian—has been carried out with the political motive of silencing opponents of the illegal war against Iran.  This arrest and detention also appear to be motivated by Mr. Azizi’s national origin in contravention of domestic and international law.

We respectfully request that you act swiftly to intervene with the Department of Homeland Security to demand the immediate release of Mr. Azizi. 

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