TACOMA, Wash. — An immigration judge ruled Wednesday to push back the hearing for an Iranian green card holder who has been in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody for several months. 

The attorneys representing the United States asked for more time to review the evidence submitted by Milad Aspari's lawyer. It has been over four months since Aspari, an Iranian green card holder, has been in custody at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma. 

Through his attorney, Ben Cornell, Aspari submitted an asylum claim because he said he fears for his life if he were to be deported to Iran. Aspari is Kurdish, a religious and ethnic minority in Iran, under severe persecution. Current affairs, including Iran's war with Israel, are not helping his case.

"Historically, there's been a lot of persecution of Kurdish people in Iran, but there are news articles out there indicating that Kurds may be especially threatened in the event Iran goes to war," Cornell said. 

Aspari was arrested by ICE Feb. 20 when he and his work team accidentally crossed over to Canada, due to road closures at the site where they were working. When they attempted to re-enter, Aspari was taken into custody. Aspari's attorney said his prior assault conviction and violation of a no-contact order are keeping his client detained, despite the no-contact order being dismissed. 

Aspari's wife and his young U.S. citizen daughter were present at the courthouse in Tacoma. They were instructed not to touch or hug Aspari as they entered the courtroom. His daughter and his wife wiped away tears throughout the hearing.

Aspari is expected back in court on July 8.