Federally incarcerated Fresno restaurant manager Psalm “Sam” Behpoor’s case for being released from a Kern County immigrant detention facility received a big boost Friday.

Gov. Gavin Newsom issued a “full and unconditional pardon” for a residential burglary Behpoor committed when more than two decades ago when he was 18 years old.

“He has provided evidence that he is living an upright life and has demonstrated his fitness for restoration of civic rights and responsibilities,” Newsom said in the pardon.

“This act of clemency for Mr. Behpoor does not minimize or forgive his conduct or the harm it caused. It does recognize the work he has done since to transform himself.”

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Community Rallies Behind Behpoor

Behpoor, a manager at Pismo’s Restaurant, was detained by Immigration Customs and Enforcement in June with the burglary cited as the reason for his incarceration pending a deportation hearing.

During his months in detention, Behpoor has received more than 120 letters from the community, including judges, police officers, neighbors, family, and friends.

Congressman Jim Costa, D-Fresno tried, unsuccessfully, to visit the Iranian immigrant when the representative toured the ICE Facility. Behpoor’s deportation officer also recommended release.

However, he told GV Wire in late September that his request for release from detention was denied after his 90-day review.

“I thought you know, slam dunk. If I’m going to go through the same process that I went through 22 years ago when I was released then I should be fine,” Behpoor told GV Wire. “In the last 22 years, I’ve graduated college, I have a career, I deal with people, I make people feel safe.”

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Behpoor Regrets His Crime

Behpoor came to the U.S. from Iran when he was 3 years old. With his grandfather a supporter of the overthrown Shah, the U.N. issued him a protection of Convention Against Torture, meaning he cannot be sent back to Iran.

Shortly after his 18th birthday, he committed a burglary he said he’s long regretted. Behpoor also had a DUI in 2019 that was later vacated.

In 2024, he was cleared for his citizenship after addressing the two offenses.

“I’m not a public safety threat, I’ve been a productive tax-paying member and graduated college,” Behpoor said. “I could comply with any stipulations. If they want to put me on house arrest, if they tell me you cannot leave the bedroom of your home, I’ll do that, just let me know. Anything but here.”

The family is accepting donations through GoFundMe.

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Being Detained

Behpoor discusses in his own words how he was initially contacted by ICE and explains his past.

Why Me?

Behpoor describes how he turned his life around and conditions at the detainee center.

Where’s the Humanity?

Behpoor shares the story of others in the detention center.