FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Sam “Psalm” Behpoor was living out his American dream with his family, working as the manager of Pismo’s in Northwest Fresno for 10 years until he was detained by ICE on June 23rd.
His wife and three-year-old son are now left wondering about their family’s future.
“My son has been stressed asking for his dad. He’s been going to his toys and teddy bears and saying dada and kissing,” Behpoor’s wife Lera said.
Psalm was the same age as his son when he came to the States seeking asylum from Iran.
He says he later served time for non-aggravated burglary when he was 18 years old, over 20 years ago, which is no longer considered a deportable felony.
In May, he filed paperwork to reinstate his green card and continue his path to citizenship.
“I’m American, I am. I love this country. I’m lucky for the opportunity to be here,” Behpoor explained. “God knows if this country didn’t save me, what I would be and I’m sorry for the mistake I’ve made, but I just don’t feel like the consequence fits the situation.”
Behpoor joined Action News by phone from the Mesa Verde ICE detention center in Bakersfield, where he’s been held for nearly two months.
Back in June, he says he received a call from ICE asking him for an in-person interview.
“They told me that they were given instructions that I wasn’t being singled out. This month their goal was people of my descent,” Behpoor recalled. “When we got down there, immediately as we walk in the door, they separated my attorney from me.”
His wife, Lera, says about an hour later, she got a call saying her husband was detained.
“It was very emotional, I didn’t think he was going to go,” Lera said while crying.
His family hopes the board of immigration appeals reopens his case so his path to citizenship can continue.
But for now, there is no knowing when he could return home.
“That I will die for this and I won’t ever see my family again. That’s my biggest fear,” Behpoor said through tears.
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Action News did reach out to ICE for comment, but as of Tuesday afternoon, have not heard back.
Lera says all proper motions have been filed with immigration appeals and his lawyers are confident that once the case is reopened, he can be a lawful citizen.
Friends of Behpoor have set up a GoFundMe to cover bills and legal fees as he is the sole provider for his family.
