The United States has arrested two relatives of the late Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani after revoking their legal residency status, a move that underscores ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Federal authorities took into custody Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of Soleimani, and her daughter — his grandniece — in Los Angeles late on Saturday night, following an order by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to terminate their lawful permanent resident (green card) privileges.
According to officials, both women are now being held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and will face deportation proceedings. The State Department stated that the decision was based on Afshar’s public support for the Iranian regime and her criticism of U.S. policies while residing in the country. In addition, Afshar’s husband has been prohibited from entering the United States.
The arrests come amid years of strained relations between the United States and Iran, which have been especially tense since Soleimani was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020. Soleimani, a top commander of Iran’s Quds Force, was a central figure in Iran’s regional operations, and his death sparked international controversy and escalated hostilities in the Middle East.
U.S. officials have described the move as part of broader national security measures targeting individuals who they believe may pose risks due to their affiliations or public support of foreign adversaries. Legal experts note that revoking residency on such grounds is rare, and the case is likely to attract attention given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.
Human rights advocates, however, have raised concerns about the precedent this may set for immigration enforcement, arguing that public political statements alone should not result in deportation. The U.S. government maintains that the decision is lawful and consistent with national security regulations.
The case highlights the continued sensitivity around Soleimani’s legacy and the wider geopolitical implications of actions involving his family members. With tensions between Washington and Tehran still high, the arrests are expected to draw reactions from both U.S. political circles and international observers.
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