U.S. federal agents have apprehended the niece and grand-niece of the late Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani after Secretary of State Marco Rubio rescinded their lawful permanent resident status, according to the State Department on Saturday, April 4.
“Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are currently in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement,” the State Department stated, noting that Rubio revoked their green cards.
Soleimani was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Baghdad in January 2020 during President Donald Trump’s first term.
The State Department indicated that Afshar has provided support to Iran’s government and its propaganda efforts. Additionally, it mentioned that her husband was denied entry into the United States.
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This detention occurs as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran enters its sixth week.
The State Department further disclosed that earlier this month, Rubio annulled the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of senior Iranian politician Ali Larijani, along with her husband Seyed Kalantar Motamedi. Both Ardeshir-Larijani and Motamedi are no longer present in the United States and are prohibited from re-entry, according to the State Department.
Ali Larijani, a key figure in Iran’s security policy, was killed in mid-March due to a U.S.-Israeli airstrike.
During his second term, Trump’s administration has intensified deportation efforts against immigrants, labeling them as threats. Rights advocates have expressed concerns regarding free speech and due process, noting that many immigrants detained by ICE have been released following judicial orders.
