ICE Arrests Social Media Figure in LA: Removal Proceedings
What happens when someone with two removal orders quietly lives in the US for years — and then gets arrested? ICE officers in Los Angeles arrested Iranian citizen Farzad "Tony" Toutouni on October 27, 2026, after he had been ordered removed twice by immigration judges and had reentered the country illegally. He now faces removal proceedings while in ICE custody.
Two Removal Orders, One Illegal Reentry
Farzad Toutouni first entered the United States legally in 1983. An immigration judge ordered him removed in 1993. That order was never carried out. In 1999, a second immigration judge ordered him removed again — and this time he was deported to Mexico. Toutouni says he crossed back into the US illegally on or about April 4, 2011, near Saint Clair, Michigan, using an electric raft he purchased in Canada. Reentering the country after a deportation order is a federal crime, separate from any civil immigration violation.
Toutouni has a long criminal record dating back to 1989. He has been arrested for criminal threats, criminal conspiracy, and possession and sale of a controlled substance. He was sentenced to more than 16 months in prison on charges including making or passing a fictitious check, grand theft of an access card, conspiracy to commit a crime, forgery, kidnapping, robbery, and extortion. In June 2023, Israeli immigrant Emil Lahaziel was murdered outside the West Hollywood mansion Toutouni was renting at the time.
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More recently, Toutouni had built a public profile as a social media personality with more than one million Instagram followers. His content reportedly included explicit material, and his posts frequently featured luxury cars, private aircraft, and women. ICE officers from the Los Angeles field office arrested him on October 27. He remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings — meaning an immigration court will decide whether he is formally removed from the country.
What This Case Shows About Reentry After Deportation
This case is a reminder that a prior removal order does not disappear. If you were previously deported or ordered removed and you reentered the US, immigration authorities can use that original order against you — often without a new hearing. This is called "reinstatement of removal" (when ICE reinstates the old deportation order instead of starting a new case). People subject to reinstatement have fewer procedural rights than those in standard removal proceedings, though they may still apply for protection like withholding of removal if they fear returning to their home country. As of October 1, 2026, ICE charges a fee of $5,300 for apprehending someone who reentered illegally after a removal order.
What to Do If You Have a Prior Removal Order
- If you have ever received a removal order — even years ago — consult an immigration lawyer before any contact with ICE. That order may still be active and enforceable.
- If you reentered the US after deportation, ask an attorney about "reinstatement of removal" and whether you qualify for any protection, such as withholding of removal or relief under the Convention Against Torture.
- If ICE arrests you, you have the right to remain silent and the right to speak with an attorney. Do not sign any documents without legal counsel.
- If you are placed in removal proceedings, you have 30 days to appeal an order of removal to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). Missing that deadline severely limits your options.
What to do, step by step — see our guide “Your Rights During an ICE Encounter”.
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A prior removal order never simply "goes away." If ICE finds someone who reentered after deportation, they can reinstate the original order without a new immigration court hearing — which means far fewer opportunities to fight removal. That said, even under reinstatement, a person who fears persecution or torture in their home country has the right to a "reasonable fear" screening with an asylum officer. The 30-day deadline to appeal any new removal order to the BIA is strict and almost never extended, so anyone in this situation should contact an immigration attorney the same day they receive any court paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is reinstatement of removal?
Reinstatement of removal is when ICE uses your old deportation order to remove you again, without starting a new immigration court case. This can happen if you reentered the US illegally after being deported. You generally do not get a new hearing before an immigration judge, but you may still request a 'reasonable fear' screening if you fear returning to your home country.
Can I appeal a removal order?
Yes. If an immigration judge issues a new removal order, you have 30 days to file an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA). If you miss that window, your options become very limited. An immigration lawyer can help you file on time.
What happens if ICE arrests me and I have a prior removal order?
ICE may reinstate your old order instead of starting a new case. You have the right to remain silent and to speak with an attorney. Do not sign any documents before getting legal advice. If you fear returning to your country, tell the officer — you may be entitled to a fear screening.
Does a criminal record make deportation automatic?
Not always, but certain convictions — especially aggravated felonies — make removal much more likely and can eliminate eligibility for many forms of relief. An immigration attorney can review your specific record and explain what defenses, if any, are available to you.