Here’s what happened.
In a move that’s drawing national attention, President Donald Trump’s administration has taken swift action against two individuals tied to one of America’s most notorious foreign adversaries.
Federal authorities confirmed that Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, identified as the niece of former Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani, along with her daughter, have been arrested in Los Angeles and are now in ICE custody. The arrests came after Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their legal residency status over serious national security concerns.
Rubio Revokes Green Cards Over Alleged Anti-American Support
According to officials, Afshar had a troubling history of publicly supporting Iran’s regime—one widely recognized as hostile to the United States.
Secretary Rubio stated that Afshar not only backed the Iranian government but also praised attacks on American forces and used inflammatory language toward the U.S., including calling it the “Great Satan.”
Both Afshar and her daughter have now lost their legal status and face removal from the country.
Background: Trump Ordered Strike That Killed Soleimani
Many Americans will remember that Qasem Soleimani, a top commander in Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in a U.S. airstrike ordered by President Trump in January 2020.
That decisive action was widely praised by supporters as a strong stand against terrorism and a warning to hostile regimes abroad.
Living in America While Promoting a Hostile Regime
Officials say Afshar’s case raises serious concerns.
While living in Los Angeles, she allegedly used social media to:
- Promote Iranian regime propaganda
- Express support for the Revolutionary Guard (a designated terrorist organization)
- Celebrate attacks targeting U.S. troops
At the same time, authorities noted she was enjoying a comfortable lifestyle in the United States—something critics say highlights a major flaw in past immigration enforcement.
DHS Raises Questions About Asylum Claim
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Afshar entered the U.S. in 2015 and was later granted asylum in 2019 before receiving a green card in 2021.
However, officials revealed she traveled back to Iran multiple times after being granted permanent residency.
That detail is significant.
Asylum is typically granted to individuals who claim they cannot safely return to their home country. Multiple return trips, officials say, undermine the credibility of that claim.
Her daughter followed a similar immigration path, entering on a student visa before later receiving asylum and a green card.
“A Privilege, Not a Right”
A DHS spokesperson emphasized a message that resonates with many Americans:
Living in the United States is a privilege—not a right.
Officials added that when authorities believe someone may pose a risk to national security or has abused the immigration system, action will be taken.
Broader Crackdown on Foreign Nationals Linked to Hostile Regimes
This case is not an isolated incident.
Earlier this month, the State Department also revoked the legal status of another individual connected to Iran’s leadership, along with her spouse. Both are now barred from reentering the United States.
The Trump administration has made it clear that it will not allow individuals who support anti-American regimes to remain in the country.
A Stronger Message on National Security
For many Americans—especially those concerned about border security, terrorism, and immigration enforcement—this latest action signals a return to a tougher, more vigilant approach.
The message is simple: Support for hostile regimes will not be tolerated on American soil.
