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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.
