News & Press
The latest national Immigration Law information from Arizona's premier Immigration Lawyer
(480) 568-5430
The latest national Immigration Law information from Arizona's premier Immigration Lawyer
A Zipps Sports Grill kitchen manager was sentenced to five months in federal custody after pleading guilty in connection with a federal investigation that followed ICE raids across the Valley restaurant chain. Immigration attorney Darius Amiri said several workers arrested in the raids were concerned about both criminal sentencing and what could happen once they were transferred to ICE custody. The case highlights how workplace immigration investigations can create serious criminal and immigration consequences for employees, especially for those now fighting possible deportation.
Plans for a large ICE detention facility in Surprise are moving forward as deaths in ICE custody have risen sharply nationwide, including the recent death of Emmanuel Damas, who was being held in Arizona. Immigration attorney Darius Amiri, who regularly visits detention centers, warned that many facilities do not appear equipped for the number of people being held and said some clients have struggled to get needed medication. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office says it is monitoring the planned Surprise facility and considering possible legal options.
The Trump administration’s reshaping of immigration courts is raising concerns about whether judges can remain independent while handling deportation cases. Immigration attorney Darius Amiri warned that firing judges, hiring new ones, and even labeling some positions as “deportation judges” could create pressure for judges to align with enforcement priorities instead of acting as neutral decision-makers. He said the result could be a system that feels increasingly unfair for immigrants fighting to stay in the United States.
Federal agents raided 15 Zipps Sports Grill locations across the Valley, prompting hundreds of protesters to march in Phoenix and call for ICE to leave Arizona. Immigration attorney Juliana Manzanarez described the operation as fast-moving and chaotic, raising concerns about how workers and community members were treated during the searches. Federal officials said the operation was tied to a long-term criminal investigation involving felony violations, but the lack of details has continued to fuel fear and outrage in Arizona’s immigrant communities.
A new State Department order pausing visa processing for people from 75 countries is raising concerns for families already in the middle of the immigration process. Immigration attorney Darius Amiri warned that the halt could create another major roadblock for clients trying to reunite with family members or leave dangerous conditions in their home countries. Attorneys also criticized the timing of the announcement, saying families with pending cases may now be left waiting indefinitely.
A federal judge could soon allow immigration officials to accept new DACA applications for the first time in years, giving hope to young immigrants who have been waiting in limbo. Immigration attorney Darius Amiri says the possible reopening is significant, but applicants should be careful because there is still no final order or official timeline. Advocates are also warning families to wait for clear guidance and avoid scams from anyone claiming they can file right away.
A federal judge could soon reopen DACA to new applicants, giving hope to young immigrants who have been waiting for years to apply. Immigration attorney Darius Amiri called the potential change significant, but warned that families should be cautious because there is no final order or official timeline yet. Advocates also urge applicants to wait for clear government guidance and avoid scams from anyone claiming they can file immediately.
Immigration attorney Darius Amiri says foreign students are already required to provide social media handles as part of the visa process, and expanded screening may affect how applicants present themselves online. Critics argue the increased scrutiny could raise concerns about free speech, academic freedom, and the treatment of international students on college campuses. For students and families navigating the visa process, the article highlights the importance of understanding how online activity may be reviewed during immigration screening.
The U.S. State Department has paused scheduling new visa interviews for foreign students while it prepares to expand screening of applicants’ social media activity. The temporary pause is raising concerns in Arizona, where Arizona State University says it has more than 17,000 international students and is monitoring the situation closely. The decision could affect students hoping to study in the U.S. and create added uncertainty for universities that rely on international enrollment.
The Trump administration is offering free flights and a $1,000 stipend to encourage undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the United States through the CBP Home app. Immigration attorney Darius Amiri warns that self-deportation may carry serious long-term consequences, including a possible 10-year bar for people who leave after being in the U.S. without status for more than a year. He recommends speaking with an immigration attorney before making any decision, especially when returning legally may be harder than officials suggest.
A new TRAC Immigration report found that local police in Arizona and across the country are increasingly cooperating with ICE by issuing detainers, but those holds are not always leading to ICE custody or deportation. Immigration attorney Darius Amiri says the rise in detainers may be creating fear and encouraging some people to leave on their own, even though a detainer does not mean someone will ultimately be deported. The report also notes that many people targeted by detainers had no criminal convictions, raising concerns about how immigration enforcement is being used.
Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari plans to join lawmakers traveling to El Salvador to meet with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland man who was mistakenly deported despite a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that the administration must facilitate his release. Ansari called the case a serious warning sign, arguing that the government’s refusal to follow the court’s order raises major concerns about due process, constitutional protections, and the rule of law. The case has sparked national protests and renewed debate over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration.
Phoenix resident Sonia Almaraz says her friend, Arbella Rodriguez Marquez, a legal permanent resident with no known criminal record, was detained by ICE and remains in custody in Eloy after being misclassified. Immigration attorney Darius Amiri says cases like this are creating fear among legal residents, naturalized citizens, and even U.S. citizens who are worried about being stopped, detained, or questioned. He warns that any government notice affecting immigration status should be taken seriously, especially as enforcement actions continue to raise concerns about due process.
The Trump administration is seeking to have the IRS share taxpayer information with ICE to help locate undocumented immigrants for deportation. Immigration attorney Darius Amiri warns that using ITINs and tax records for immigration enforcement could discourage undocumented immigrants from filing taxes and push more people into working under the table. The proposal has already sparked legal challenges from immigrant rights groups seeking to block the IRS from sharing taxpayer information with ICE or DHS.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is increasingly enforcing a policy allowing officers to search travelers' electronic devices without a warrant or suspicion. Immigration attorney Darius Amiri warns that visa and green card holders are especially vulnerable, as flagged content can lead to deportation or denied entry. While citizens can't be denied reentry, refusing a search may result in delays, detainment, or device seizure.
A new bill in Arizona, SB 1268, would require hospitals to include a question about a patient’s immigration status on admission forms—raising concerns among immigration advocates. Attorney Darius Amiri warns the measure could lead to fear of enforcement and deter undocumented individuals from seeking medical care, even though the bill’s sponsor claims it won’t affect access to treatment. Supporters say the goal is to gather data on the cost of healthcare for undocumented patients, but critics argue it sets a dangerous precedent.
The Trump administration is rebranding the CBP One app as “CBP Home,” encouraging undocumented immigrants to voluntarily leave the U.S. by submitting their departure details—something immigration attorney Darius Amiri warns could be used to track and deport users. While the Biden-era CBP One app allowed migrants to schedule legal entry appointments, Amiri fears this new version promotes self-deportation without offering a real path back, especially with strict laws like the 10-year reentry bar in place.
A new Biden policy aimed at helping undocumented spouses of U.S. citizens gain legal status more easily is now in limbo after a Texas judge ruled the administration exceeded its authority. The decision affects roughly 500,000 people. In a “Good Morning Arizona” interview, Darius Amiri, immigration law chair at Rose Law Group, breaks down the ruling, what it means for current and pending cases, and how a potential Trump administration could impact the program.
A legal challenge is underway over President Biden’s “Keeping Families Together” immigration policy after a Texas judge temporarily blocked it. Rose Law Group immigration attorney Darius Amiri told 3TV/CBS 5 the policy could be one of the most impactful since DACA, allowing undocumented spouses and stepchildren of U.S. citizens to remain in the country during the green card process. While supporters say it keeps families united, critics argue it encourages illegal immigration and imposes financial strain.
Phoenix Mercury basketball star Brittney Griner is being detained in Russia after authorities there said they found cannabis cartridges in her luggage. Several news outlets have reported that the offense of smuggling a narcotic substance in that country is “punishable by up to 10 years in prison.” 3TV in Phoenix talked to Rose Law Group Immigration Department Chair Darius Amiri about the difficult situation Griner finds herself in. “It’s important to remember these are allegations, and they’re allegations from a country that often tries to control and manipulate the narrative,” Amiri says. “I just thought to myself, ‘What absolute terrible timing’… I think, unfortunately, she may find herself a political pawn. And you hate for someone’s life liberty of freedom to be caught up in those circumstances.”
The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office says a woman accused of smuggling two migrants led deputies on a high-speed chase that ended in Phoenix. The suspect, 19-year-old Alma Rodriguez Dominguez, was taken into custody on Friday. Immigration attorney Darius Amiri spoke on the matter with Arizona's Family.
"I think it's just something you're going to see with the combination of the proximity to the Mexican border and a tough economic time where someone may think this is an easy way to make a little extra money and not really thinking about the consequences of what they're doing."
Watch the full interview on Arizona's Family website: News Article Link
.avif){kind=logo}
