U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) confirmed the arrest of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar on Monday in Los Angeles. Afshar is the niece of Qasem Soleimani, the commander of Iran's Quds Force who was killed in a 2020 military operation.
The 47-year-old had reportedly been living a high-profile, lavish lifestyle in Southern California prior to her detention. Sources indicate her presence in the United States has been under significant scrutiny by federal law enforcement for some time.
The arrest followed an investigation by an independent journalist who flagged several social media posts attributed to Afshar. These posts reportedly contained propaganda supporting the Iranian government and its various military operations in the Middle East.
Among the shared content was a post celebrating a recent Iranian military strike against Israel. Another post allegedly referenced a direct threat against the United States, raising immediate concerns among national security officials regarding her intent.
ICE officials stated that Afshar was detained due to specific visa violations and concerns regarding her familial ties to the Iranian government. The agency is currently reviewing her immigration status and the legality of her long-term residence.
The White House, under President Donald Trump, has maintained a consistent policy of maximum pressure regarding individuals tied to the IRGC. This arrest aligns with ongoing efforts to monitor foreign nationals with potential connections to designated terrorist organizations.
Soleimani's family members have faced increased scrutiny globally since the general's death in Baghdad. The IRGC remains a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization, complicating the legal standing of relatives residing within U.S. borders.
Legal experts suggest that the propaganda shared by Afshar could be used as primary evidence to justify her deportation. Authorities are also investigating the specific source of funds used to support her expensive lifestyle in Los Angeles.
Public reaction to the news has been swift, with many calling for stricter vetting for relatives of high-ranking foreign military officials. The case highlights the complexities of immigration enforcement in matters of national security.
Afshar is currently held in a federal detention facility pending a hearing before an immigration judge. No official statement has been released by the Iranian government or legal representatives for the Soleimani family regarding the detention.