TWIN FALLS, IDAHO — A convicted criminal and illegal immigrant formerly residing in Twin Falls is being held for deportation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after losing his green card due to a violent felony conviction.
Binod Shah, originally from Bhutan, was admitted to the U.S. as a refugee two decades ago. In 2019, Shah was convicted of aggravated battery, a serious offense that triggered his deportation under federal immigration law. Though he received a suspended sentence, the conviction revoked his legal permanent residency.
Despite attempts to remain in the U.S., Shah is now considered deportable under federal law. Immigration officials confirmed that his removal is pending due to Bhutan refusing to accept him back, leaving him in legal limbo.
Shah’s defenders cite his ties to the community, but ICE officials emphasize that his criminal history disqualifies him from remaining in the country. He is currently detained at the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Washington state.
Under President Trump’s immigration policy, felons without citizenship are prioritized for removal, regardless of prior refugee status.
