Activist Detained Upon Return from Iran Event

An American activist who attended a state-sponsored event in Iran and expressed anti-American sentiments was reportedly detained upon her return to the United States. Chara Walsh, who was involved in the event, stated that she was held for several hours by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Walsh claimed that agents were waiting for her when she arrived back in New York. She mentioned on social media that she was not surprised by the detention, emphasizing that she did not have a phone for them to confiscate. In a video from the event in Iran, Walsh can be seen, in Persian, shouting phrases such as “death to America” and “death to Israel.”

During her speech, she proclaimed, “Glory to all martyrs. Glory to the axis of resistance,” referring to the connections between Iran and various militant groups, including Hamas and Hezbollah. Walsh’s head was covered by a government-issued hat, which is mandated for women in Iran under strict laws.

She did not respond to further inquiries after the event. The Department of Homeland Security explained that all individuals entering the U.S., including citizens, are subject to customs inspections for security reasons.

Walsh’s group has a controversial history, reportedly supporting anti-Israel protests at Columbia University, which resulted in arrests. There have been claims of violence against police and others associated with pro-Israel sentiments. The FBI has previously investigated the group over incidents of vandalism related to defense companies.

Walsh also recounted earlier experiences of detention, alleging she had been held during the Trump administration after traveling from Cuba. She suggested that her activities made her a target for surveillance and noted a connection between her political stance and her experiences with law enforcement.