DHS Expels Iranian Nationals Linked to Terrorism
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently deported three Iranian individuals believed to have connections to terrorism. This took place on Sunday, with those expelled identified as Ethan Khalidi, Mohammad Melani, and Morteza Nasirikakoraki. Each of these men had ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).
They were part of a deportation flight that included 14 Iranians, all returning to Tehran amidst significant political turmoil and a crackdown on protests against the Iranian government. It’s worth noting that, according to DHS, Melani and Khalidi entered the U.S. unlawfully in Southern California in 2024, while Nasirikakoraki crossed the border illegally in November 2024 near San Luis, Arizona.
The White House emphasized that the deportation was based on a “final order” from a federal judge. Interestingly, the deportation flights themselves are drawing attention due to human rights concerns, particularly related to the ongoing protests back in Iran. Reports surfaced about two undocumented immigrants on this flight who identified as gay; their lawyer expressed serious concerns about their safety, mentioning a high risk of execution if they were to return.
However, it seemed those two individuals didn’t board the flight after all, as they were quarantined due to exposure to measles. This latest deportation marks the third flight returning individuals to Iran since September 2025. Prior flights are estimated to have carried at least 55 people.
As for the IRGC, it holds a significant position in Iran, functioning independently of the regular military and directly under the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. U.S. officials have labeled the IRGC a foreign terrorist organization due to their involvement in various terrorist activities and support for extremist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
Amid these developments, tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been escalating. President Trump has indicated that military options remain on the table as he cautioned Iran against continued executions and violent reprisals against protestors. Since the protests began in early 2026, nearly 6,000 casualties have been reported. Additionally, the U.S. is ramping up its military presence in the region, including the deployment of the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group.
