In a significant enforcement action, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have arrested 11 Iranian nationals across eight states within a span of 48 hours. This operation, as reported by various sources, was a targeted effort against individuals suspected of having links to foreign military forces and posing potential threats to national security.
The arrests, which have unfolded against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East, included the detention of Mehran Makari Saheli near St. Paul, Minnesota. Saheli is a former member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Other notable detainees are Ribvar Karimi, an Iranian army sniper apprehended in Alabama, and Yousef Mehridehno, who was on a U.S. terror watchlist and is now facing visa fraud charges.
Within this group, five individuals had previous criminal convictions in the United States. Furthermore, the enforcement also involved the arrest of a U.S. citizen accused of harboring a foreign national and threatening law enforcement officers.
These arrests follow President Donald Trump's authorization of airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities, leading to increased scrutiny of potential retaliatory threats. Although no direct links between the arrests and the military action have been confirmed, a Homeland Security bulletin warned of unconventional forms of Iranian retaliation, including the possible activation of sleeper cells within the U.S.
Federal authorities had previously issued warnings to border agents to be vigilant for signs of coordinated retaliation. A memo specifically pointed out the threat posed by radicalized individuals and lone actors potentially returning to the U.S. to commit acts of terror. The Department of Homeland Security has acknowledged the presence of violent extremists in the country, noting that they could be encouraged to act if Iranian leadership called for revenge.
While these arrests are seen as precautionary, they are part of a broader campaign to safeguard the nation. Several detainees are currently undergoing deportation proceedings, and the operations, though spanning multiple jurisdictions, are indicative of a nationwide effort to mitigate possible escalations.
Amidst these developments, ICE has been tight-lipped on details concerning the remaining detainees due to ongoing investigations. This latest action is part of a larger initiative to remove foreign nationals considered security threats. Critics have often highlighted that over 1,000 Iranian nationals were released into the U.S. under the previous administration, arguing that lenient immigration policies have jeopardized national security.
The geopolitical climate continues to intensify, prompting federal immigration authorities to adopt a more assertive stance. The recent arrests underscore the growing concerns about retaliatory actions by foreign actors. As the U.S. military prepares for further conflict in the Middle East, federal agencies remain vigilant, coordinating efforts to deter threats before they manifest on American soil.
