On July 15, federal immigration agents arrested Mahdi Khanbabazadeh, a 38-year-old chiropractor and father, in the parking lot of Guidepost Montessori in Beaverton, Oregon, while he was dropping off his child at preschool. According to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Khanbabazadeh, an Iranian citizen, had overstayed his visa despite entering the U.S. legally.
Arrest During Preschool Drop-Off
ICE agents initially stopped Khanbabazadeh in traffic, but allowed him to proceed to the school to drop off his child. Once in the parking lot, ICE says he refused to cooperate, remained in the vehicle, and resisted arrest. Officers eventually broke a window to remove him. ICE confirmed the child was unharmed during the incident.
“We are deeply disturbed by what took place,” said Angel Ignacio, regional manager for Guidepost Global Education. “Our first priority is the emotional wellbeing of the children in our care.”
A Father, Husband, and Chiropractor
Khanbabazadeh is married to a U.S. citizen, works as a licensed chiropractor, and had already applied for a green card, according to Caroline Medeiros, an immigration attorney whose child also attends the same preschool. He had completed his green card interview, raising questions about why ICE targeted him for arrest at a preschool.
“He had no criminal record,” local sources confirmed.
A First for Oregon—and a Flashpoint
This incident marks Oregon’s first confirmed ICE arrest on a school campus, drawing criticism from educators, parents, and immigrant advocates. Under previous federal policies, schools, hospitals, and places of worship were considered sensitive locations—off-limits for immigration enforcement. However, that policy was overturned in 2025 as part of the Trump administration’s expanded immigration crackdown.
Although the administration claims to prioritize violent offenders, a Cato Institute study found that 93% of people arrested by ICE since October 2024 had no violent convictions, and 65% had no criminal record at all.
Witnesses and School Response
Parents on-site during the arrest, including Randy Kornfield, who was dropping off his grandson, described the scene as “cold and uncaring”, with agents in unmarked vehicles and police vests waiting to ambush Khanbabazadeh.
Guidepost Montessori staff are now offering resources and emotional support to families and students affected by the incident.
“We ask for compassion and respect for the family’s privacy during this difficult time,” Ignacio said.
Khanbabazadeh remains in ICE custody as he awaits removal proceedings. His arrest highlights growing tensions surrounding immigration enforcement practices, especially when families and children are caught in the crossfire.
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