Federal Agents Arrest Relatives of Qasem Soleimani in Los Angel

Published on: April 5, 2026

Federal Agents Arrest Relatives of Qasem Soleimani in Los Angel

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar's arrest in Los Angeles highlights serious security concerns and allegations tied to her family's past.

U.S. federal authorities arrested two family members of the late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani following the cancellation of their Green Cards by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

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The Detainees

The individuals taken into custody are Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, identified as the niece of the former Quds Force commander, and her daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny. Both were apprehended in Los Angeles and are currently held by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as they await deportation proceedings.

Reasons for Status Revocation

The State Department cited a combination of security concerns and alleged immigration fraud for the sudden revocation of their permanent residency:

Propaganda Allegations: Officials claim Afshar used social media to celebrate attacks on U.S. troops and promote Iranian government interests.
Asylum Inconsistency: Despite obtaining residency through asylum, records indicate Afshar had made multiple recent trips back to Iran, which DHS officials say invalidates her original claim of fearing persecution.
Incompatible Lifestyle: Authorities noted a “lavish lifestyle” displayed on social media that conflicted with the nature of her immigration status.

Geopolitical Impact

These arrests come during a period of intense escalation between Washington and Tehran. Following the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran in February 2026, the administration has moved to expel various individuals tied to the Iranian leadership, including relatives of former security chief Ali Larijani.

Note on Disputed Identity: While U.S. officials maintain the familial link, Soleimani’s immediate family in Tehran—specifically his daughters Zeinab and Narjes—have publicly denied any relation to the two women, claiming that no members of the Soleimani family reside in the United States.

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