Iranian Gen. Soleimani’s Niece, Grand-Niece Arrested by Immigration Agents
The U.S. government has moved to revoke green cards and visas for several Iranian nationals linked to Tehran. The latest action affected relatives of the late Qassem Soleimani. Two people were arrested by immigration agents and placed in ICE custody.
Arrests and custody
Officials said Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were detained late Friday. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is holding both pending deportation proceedings.
Authorities also announced that Afshar’s husband is barred from entering the United States. At least four Iranian nationals connected to current or former Iranian officials have had status or visas revoked.
Family ties and allegations
Both detainees are identified as the niece and grand-niece of Qassem Soleimani. Soleimani died in a U.S. airstrike near Baghdad airport in 2020.
The State Department said the women publicly supported the Iranian government. Officials accused them of celebrating anti-American attacks and living conspicuously in Los Angeles.
Public reaction and headlines
The case has drawn wide attention. Several outlets ran the phrase Iranian Gen. Soleimani’s Niece, Grand-Niece Arrested by Immigration Agents in reporting on the detentions.
Broader visa revocations
Secretary of State Marco Rubio determined several individuals were no longer eligible for lawful permanent residence or U.S. entry. The decisions came this week, according to the State Department.
Rubio also recently revoked the visa of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani. She is described as an academic and the daughter of Ali Larijani, identified in the statement as a former national security adviser who was killed in a U.S.-Israel airstrike last month.
Her husband, Seyed Kalantar Motamedi, had his visa canceled as well. Officials said neither remained in the United States when their visas were rescinded.
Earlier diplomatic actions
In early December, the State Department declined to renew or revoked visas for several Iranian diplomats. Those moves affected staff at Iran’s mission to the United Nations, including the deputy ambassador.
The department said the December action occurred on Dec. 4. It declined further comment citing privacy and security, and said the step was unrelated to recent protests or the war.
The Iranian mission to the U.N. declined to comment on Saturday. Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments and report further updates as they become available.
