Help us #freeReza

Reza Zavvar, a beloved son, brother, uncle, cousin, dog-dad, and friend has always been a symbol of compassion and support for those around him. His kind and selfless nature has touched many lives, both in his community and beyond. Now, he finds himself in need of our collective support. On June 28, 2025, Reza was unfairly detained by ICE in Gaithersburg, MD, and is currently being held at a detention center in Texas.

Reza's detention is not only unjust but also a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the flaws in our immigration system that has long affected the most marginalized communities in the US.

Reza has consistently demonstrated his commitment to helping others, helping elderly neighbours down the street, or making sandwiches to drop off at Skid Row weekly without mention it of it to others. It is our turn to stand up for him. Reza's story is not just about one individual’s plight; it reflects the struggles long faced by many within many communities. We must ensure that he does not become another victim of a system that fails to recognize one's humanity.

Reza is a kind, compassionate person—a devoted grandson and uncle, nephew and brother, neighbor and friend. He has quietly contributed to his community for years, always ready to lend a hand or offer support to both those he knows personally and those he does not. Now he needs our help.

Please consider donating whatever you can to help fund Reza’s legal defense. I am Reza's cousin, and I am organizing this fundraiser so that all funds go directly to my aunt and Reza's mother, Firouzeh, to support her in paying for Reza's legal fees.

Thank you for helping us #freeReza

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Learn more about Reza's story in this heartfelt letter written by his sister, Maryam.

He came to the US as a 12-year-old boy, now to be deported as a 52-year-old man

It started like any other morning for Reza, with a refreshing walk alongside his beloved dog, Duke, an adorable 3-year-old American bulldog. As Duke sniffed around for just the right spot, an unmarked vehicle suddenly pulled up. Before Reza could react, ICE agents emerged, swiftly apprehending him and placing him in their car. Two agents then took charge of a visibly trembling Duke, leading him back to Reza’s home and entrusting him to his devastated mother.

He was held in Baltimore and then quickly transferred from Maryland to a detention center in Texas, severely limiting his ability to communicate with his legal counsel and his family, and friends. For over two agonizing weeks, he has been held without a clear end in sight.

Reza first arrived in the U.S. in 1985 as a 12-year-old boy. His family had liquidated all their assets and had moved to the US. They built their lives in Maryland, and he and his sister attended college there. They volunteered in their community, worked at local companies, and started businesses. Reza built his life in Maryland, surrounded by his loving family, including his parents, sister, and cousins. He was a natural athlete, excelling in football during high school, where he was affectionately known as a "gentle giant" — competitive on the field but kind and warm-hearted off.

Among his friends, Reza is remembered for a moment of extraordinary bravery. They recall a harrowing incident where a friend ventured onto an iced-over lake, only for the ice to crack beneath him. Without a second thought for his own safety, Reza crawled onto the treacherous surface and managed to pull his friend from the frigid water.

A lifelong dog lover, Reza adopted Duke last year from a local shelter. Recently, he moved back home to help his Mom care for his ailing 94-year-old grandmother. A proud UMBC alumnus, he has spent the last six years as a professional recruiter, dedicating himself to helping countless job seekers secure positions within the local and federal governments.

Reza’s fate remains tragically uncertain. The government has stated its intention to deport him, though his destination is unclear. After 40 years of living in the U.S., Reza knows no other home. He waits in a privately run detention center, thousands of miles from anything familiar, while bureaucrats decide his future. It feels as though considerations of humanity, personal dignity, or legality are disregarded in this painful process.

Today, Duke and the rest of Reza's family anxiously await his return. Duke is visibly distressed, unable to comprehend why his best friend isn't by his side. His mother, sister, cousins, and the rest of his extended family are consumed with worry, doing everything they can to secure his release.

Please consider reaching out to your local Congress and Senate representatives to help secure freedom for Reza. His story is a powerful reminder of the human lives impacted by these decisions.

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If you haven't signed our petition to #freeReza yet, please visit do so at https://www.change.org/helpusfreereza