An Alabama woman married to an Iranian immigrant expressed regret for supporting President Donald Trump and his immigration policies after ICE detained her husband as part of a recent round-up of Iranian nationals. Morgan Gardner, speaking to Newsweek, said they believed only criminals would be detained but were shocked when her husband, Ribvar Karimi, was among the 11 Iranian nationals arrested by ICE.
The Department of Homeland Security claimed the arrests were part of their commitment to keeping known and suspected terrorists out of American communities. They painted Karimi as a threat to national security, citing his service as a sniper in the Iranian army from 2018 to 2021.
Karimi’s military service in Iran was compulsory, as it is for all men aged 18–49. Draft evaders face prosecution and may lose their civil rights and benefits. Deserters can face imprisonment.
Gardner, speaking to CBS affiliate WIAT, defended her husband, saying he never fought against American forces and actually fought against ISIS. The couple first met online playing a video game and developed a deep connection.
A GoFundMe was set up to help with legal fees for the couple, who spent years navigating the immigration process. DHS said Karimi entered the U.S. legally in 2024 but failed to adjust his status, triggering a removal order.
Gardner’s attorney claimed that previous administrations would have protected her husband, as he is married to a U.S. citizen. She believes he was targeted because of his nationality.
Gardner, who is seven months pregnant, hopes her husband will be with her when she gives birth. She fears for his safety if deported to Iran due to his support for the U.S. and opposition to the Iranian regime.
Despite supporting Trump in the past, Gardner’s family feels betrayed by his immigration policies. She did not vote in the previous presidential election but now regrets their previous support for Trump.
“Everyone feels like a fool and regrets the decision. I personally didn’t vote in the last election, and neither did my parents. At this point, I believe there are bad people on the left and the right,” Gardner said.
