Roland Mahrez Beainy, the co-owner of the Trump Burger restaurant chain, was arrested by ICE in May after overstaying his visa, according to American media reports.
Beainy, a 28-year-old Lebanese national, arrived in the US in 2019 on a non-immigrant visitor visa, which would have required him to leave the US by February 12, 2024.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials said enforcement applies “regardless of what restaurant you own or political beliefs you might have.”
After his arrest in May, Beainy was released on bond in June.
Attempts to stay in the US
ICE and the DHS alleged that Beainy attempted to extend his stay in the US through a “sham” marriage. The petition was revoked after it was allegedly discovered no evidence of cohabitation, and admissions from the petitioner’s family.
“Roland Mehrez Beainy does not have any immigration benefits that prevented his arrest or removal from the United States,” an ICE spokesperson told The Hill.
“Under the current administration, ICE is committed to restoring integrity to our nation’s immigration system by holding all individuals accountable who illegally enter the country or overstay the terms of their admission,” the spokesperson said.
“This is true regardless of what restaurant you own or political beliefs you might have.”