Federal immigration authorities have taken into custody two relatives of the late Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani following a decision by Secretary of State Marco Rubio to revoke their lawful permanent resident status. The State Department confirmed on Saturday that Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are now detained under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The move marks a significant development in U.S. immigration enforcement tied to national security concerns. Rubio's revocation of the women's green cards triggered their immediate arrest, reflecting the current administration's firm stance on immigration matters involving individuals connected to foreign adversaries or designated terrorist figures.
Qassem Soleimani, who served as commander of Iran's elite Quds Force, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in January 2020. His death escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran, and his name remains politically charged in both countries. The detention of his niece and grand-niece adds a new dimension to that ongoing geopolitical friction.
The State Department has not publicly disclosed the specific legal grounds behind Rubio's decision to cancel the women's permanent residency, though the action falls within the Secretary of State's authority under U.S. immigration law. Green card holders can have their status revoked under certain national security provisions or other legal determinations made by federal officials.
This arrest comes amid broader immigration enforcement efforts by the current administration, which has prioritized deportations and the removal of individuals deemed potential security risks. Immigration advocacy groups are likely to scrutinize the case closely, particularly regarding due process rights for lawful permanent residents.
As this story continues to develop, it highlights the intersection of U.S. immigration policy, national security enforcement, and ongoing diplomatic tensions with Iran. Further legal proceedings involving the two detainees are expected in the coming days.


Trump Fires Attorney General Pam Bondi Over Epstein Files and Slow Prosecutions
U.S. Returns Chinese Drug Suspect to China in Landmark Extradition
MATCH Act Targets ASML and Chinese Chipmakers in New U.S. Export Crackdown
Cuba Announces Release of Over 2,000 Prisoners in Second Amnesty of 2025
Ukraine Frontline Holds Firm as Zelenskyy Claims March Offensive Successfully Repelled
Trump Administration Seeks Emergency Order to Resume White House Ballroom Construction
Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George Forced Into Immediate Retirement Amid U.S.-Iran War
U.S. F-15E Shot Down Over Iran: One Crew Member Recovered Amid Escalating Conflict
Trump Expands Tariffs on Pharmaceuticals and Metals One Year After Liberation Day
Trump Administration Plans 100% Tariffs on Pharmaceutical Imports
Australia's Social Media Ban for Under-16s Sparks Global Movement
Judge Blocks DOJ Subpoenas in Federal Reserve Investigation, Delaying Powell Succession
Federal Judge Rules CBP Violated Warrantless Arrest Order During Sacramento Immigration Sweep
Israel Blocks Cardinal from Palm Sunday Mass, Then Reverses Ban
FEMA Reinstates $1 Billion Disaster Prevention Grant Program After Court Order
First Western Ship Transits Strait of Hormuz Since Iran War Began
UN Confirms Sexual Exploitation Allegations Against Haiti Security Force Members 



