Arrests Linked to Iranian Terror Family
The niece of Iranian military figure Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, who has openly criticized the U.S. while flaunting a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles, was taken into custody by federal authorities this past weekend. Hamide Soleimani Afshar, 47, along with Soleimani’s daughter, Salinasadat Hosseini, 25, are facing deportation, without a chance of returning.
This action was announced by the U.S. Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security, who coordinated with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to carry out the arrests in the Los Angeles area.
A statement from the State Department indicated that Afshar had engaged in promoting Iranian regime propaganda while living in the U.S. She had praised attacks on American soldiers and expressed strong support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, deemed a terrorist organization. Despite her criticism of the United States, she maintained a glamorous lifestyle, often showcased on her now-deleted Instagram account.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that both Afshar and her daughter were in ICE custody and would be removed from the U.S. He emphasized the government’s commitment to preventing the country from becoming a haven for supporters of terrorism.
It’s noteworthy that Afshar’s husband has also been banned from entering the U.S. This mother-daughter duo’s extravagant lifestyle contrasts sharply with Iran’s strict regulations regarding women’s attire, which generally require modesty and covering in public spaces.
Images released before their accounts were deleted showed Afshar at a gun range, dressed stylishly, and her daughter showcasing high-end fashion, embodying a stark deviation from their regime’s values.
Afshar initially entered the U.S. on a tourist visa in 2015, was granted asylum in 2019, and received a green card in 2021. However, authorities noted that her multiple returns to Iran raised questions about the legitimacy of her asylum claim.
Hosseini, who entered on a student visa, also received asylum in 2019 followed by a green card in 2023. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security mentioned that green cards could be revoked if a holder poses a threat.
After the arrests, reports suggested that Afshar hurriedly packed designer items into her car. Meanwhile, Hosseini was apprehended while driving with her boyfriend in Hollywood.
This development comes in the wake of heightened tensions, following a drone strike ordered by former President Trump that killed her uncle, Soleimani, who was implicated in orchestrating attacks against American forces.
This recent move marks a broader trend, as seen with others associated with the Iranian regime, who have been targeted for their actions on U.S. soil.
