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Two relatives of an Iranian general have been arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly promoting anti-American propaganda while enjoying a luxurious lifestyle in the United States, according to federal authorities.
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter Sarinasadat Hosseiny were detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who also revoked their green cards. The women are the niece and grand-niece of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike during the Trump administration.
Federal authorities claim Soleimani Afshar publicly expressed support for Iranian leadership while criticizing the United States. Meanwhile, both women frequently posted images and videos on social media showcasing their lavish Western lifestyle—including riding in Hummers and posing for glamour shots—which stands in stark contrast to the restrictive regime in Iran, particularly regarding women’s rights.
“The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio, pointing to Soleimani Afshar’s “outspoken” support of what he called “the totalitarian, terrorist regime in Iran” as justification for the arrests.
The case has brought to light questions about the vetting process for asylum seekers and green card applicants. Soleimani Afshar originally entered the United States in 2015 on a tourist visa and was granted asylum in 2019, receiving her green card in 2021. Her daughter came to the country on a student visa, followed a similar path to asylum in 2019, and obtained her green card in 2023.
Immigration records revealed that Soleimani Afshar traveled to Iran four times after receiving her green card—information she disclosed in her application for U.S. citizenship last year. These frequent returns to Iran have raised additional concerns about the legitimacy of her asylum claim, which typically requires applicants to demonstrate a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country.
The arrests have sparked debate within the Iranian-American community. Maziar Aflaki, a Los Angeles resident who met Soleimani Afshar through mutual acquaintances, supported the arrests, stating, “They don’t like it in America—they shouldn’t be here.” Aflaki claimed he had long believed that the women “do not deserve to live in the U.S.” because of Soleimani Afshar’s pro-Iranian statements on social media.
This case comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with the Iranian regime frequently labeled as a state sponsor of terrorism by U.S. officials. The Revolutionary Guard Corps, to which the women’s relative belonged, is designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government.
The matter also highlights the complex relationship between the Iranian diaspora and the regime in Tehran. Many Iranians have fled to the United States seeking political asylum and freedom from the Islamic Republic’s strict religious laws. However, authorities have expressed concern that some individuals with ties to the regime may be exploiting the U.S. immigration system while maintaining allegiance to anti-American ideologies.
Immigration experts note that green cards can be revoked if the holder is found to have misrepresented material facts during the application process or if they are determined to be inadmissible to the United States under immigration law—including for security-related concerns.
The women are scheduled to appear before a judge on Tuesday, who will decide whether they can be released on bail while their cases proceed through the immigration system. If their green cards remain revoked, they could face deportation proceedings.
As this case unfolds, it may prompt immigration authorities to enhance screening procedures for applicants from countries designated as sponsors of terrorism, particularly those with familial connections to high-ranking officials or military leaders.
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10 Comments
The arrest of these individuals raises important questions about the vetting process for green card holders, especially those with ties to designated terrorist organizations. Maintaining the integrity of the US immigration system is paramount.
This is a complex case that warrants a thorough investigation. The ability of these individuals to live lavishly in the US while allegedly promoting anti-American propaganda is deeply troubling and deserves scrutiny.
I agree. The authorities should examine any potential financial improprieties or misuse of their legal status to fund or support activities that undermine US interests. Strict enforcement of the law is necessary in such cases.
This is a concerning case. If the allegations are true, it’s troubling that relatives of an Iranian general would be engaged in anti-American propaganda while living lavishly in the US. Promoting authoritarian regimes from the comfort of the West is hypocritical.
This case highlights the need for vigilance in monitoring foreign influence operations, even from individuals who may have access to the US. Promoting authoritarian propaganda while living comfortably in America is unacceptable.
This case serves as a reminder that the US must remain vigilant against foreign influence operations, even from individuals who have been granted legal status. Promoting authoritarian propaganda while enjoying the privileges of the US is unacceptable.
The alleged hypocrisy of these individuals is concerning. If the charges are proven, it would be an egregious abuse of the privileges afforded by the US. Strict enforcement of sanctions and immigration laws is crucial to protect national security.
The alleged actions of these individuals are a betrayal of the trust placed in them as green card holders. If the charges are substantiated, it highlights the need for robust screening and monitoring of foreign nationals with connections to designated terrorist organizations.
The contrast between their luxurious lifestyle in the US and the repressive policies in Iran is striking. It raises questions about how they were able to access such wealth and privilege while voicing support for the Iranian regime.
Absolutely. There seems to be a clear disconnect between their outward rhetoric and their personal actions. Authorities should thoroughly investigate the source of their wealth and any potential financial links to sanctioned entities.