Slain Iranian general Soleimani’s niece, grandniece nabbed by ICE in LA — deportation looms

The arrest of relatives of Qasem Soleimani in the United States has drawn global attention, emphasizing the overlap of immigration enforcement and geopolitical strains.

U.S. federal authorities have arrested two relatives of slain Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a move that highlights Washington’s strict approach toward people associated with Iran's leadership. The arrests, which took place on late Friday night, involved Soleimani’s niece and grandniece following their legal residency status in the United States was revoked.

Arrests confirmed after green card revocation

As per the U.S. State Department, the individuals detained have been found as Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter. Both are now being held by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and are likely to undergo deportation proceedings.

A State Department spokesperson confirmed the action, citing:
"Last night, the niece and grandniece of deceased Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Qassem Soleimani were arrested by federal agents following Secretary of State Marco Rubio's termination of their lawful permanent resident (LPR) status."

Their Lawful Permanent Resident status commonly referred to as green cards was revoked by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, enabling their detention and removal from the country. While officials did not formally disclose the exact arrest place, reports suggest that Afshar had been living in Los Angeles, California.

Allegations of support for Iranian regime

U.S. authorities have alleged that Afshar showed strong public support for Iran’s government while residing in the United States. Secretary Rubio stated her "outspoken support" for the Iranian regime as a major reason behind the decision to cancel her legal status.

The State Department further stated that she used social media platforms to circulate regime narratives, admire Iran’s leadership, and applaud attacks on American forces. Officials also cited that she had shared aspects of a luxurious lifestyle in the U.S. online before reportedly removing her account.

In a statement shared on X, Rubio stated:
“They are now in ICE custody, pending removal from the United States. The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.”

Background: Who was Qasem Soleimani?

Qasem Soleimani was among Iran’s most influential military leaders, serving as the head of the Quds Force, a division of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps responsible for operations beyond Iran’s borders. He played a major role in shaping Iran’s military strategy across the Middle East.

Soleimani was killed in January 2020 in a U.S. drone strike ordered by President Donald Trump in his first term, while he was in Baghdad, Iraq. His death significantly amplified tensions between the United States and Iran.

Rising geopolitical tensions

The arrests happened at a time of heightened conflict in West Asia, with ongoing military escalation that involves Iran and the U.S.-aligned forces. Reports suggest that the U.S. military is actively conducting search and rescue missions after the downing of an F-15E Strike Eagle, while Iran has reportedly revealed a bounty for details related to a missing crew member.

The broader conflict, which amplified following a joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign earlier this year, has had global repercussions, that includes disruptions in energy markets and escalating geopolitical uncertainty.

FAQs:

Q1. Why were Soleimani’s relatives arrested?
They were detained after their legal residency status was revoked by U.S. authorities. Officials cited concerns over alleged support for the Iranian regime.

Q2. Who ordered the revocation of their green cards?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the decision to terminate their lawful permanent resident status. This action enabled federal authorities to proceed with the arrests.