In a Nationwide Crackdown, Federal Agents Arrest 11 Iranian Nationals — Including a Watchlisted Terror Suspect
Over a recent 48-hour span, federal immigration authorities made headlines with a sweeping operation targeting illegal immigration across the country. The result? Eleven Iranian nationals were arrested in multiple cities spanning eight states, with one detainee drawing particular attention due to ties to foreign terrorist organizations.
The operation, spearheaded by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), unfolded swiftly since Sunday, June 22, sweeping up individuals suspected of violating immigration laws — but also with more serious criminal backgrounds. Among the detainees is Mehran Makari Sahel, who was taken into custody at his home near St. Paul, Minnesota. What sets Sahel apart is his past service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s elite military force. More alarmingly, ICE says he has admitted to connections with Hezbollah, an organization the U.S. government classifies as a foreign terrorist entity backed by Iran.
Not Just Immigration Violations: Criminal Charges and Security Concerns
ICE officials emphasize that these arrests aren’t just about civil immigration violations. Five of the 11 men have previous criminal records involving serious offenses such as grand larceny, drug possession, and firearms charges. The agency stressed that these individuals pose a clear threat to public safety.
One notable arrest took place in northern Alabama, where federal agents detained Ribvar Karimi. On him, officials found an Iranian Army ID card, suggesting he served as a sniper in Iran’s military from 2018 to 2021. Karimi entered the U.S. last October on a K-1 visa — a special visa for fiancés of American citizens. Now, he’s held in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings.
Meanwhile, Yousef Mehridehno’s case adds a complex layer. After living in the U.S. illegally for nearly eight years, federal authorities discovered he had lied on his visa application. This past February, he was added to the U.S. known or suspected terrorist list, and federal agents arrested him just outside Jackson, Mississippi. Despite these serious charges, officials stress that none of the arrests have been linked to any active terrorism plots.
Homeland Security’s Response and the Broader Context
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has stepped up its national alert status. Just hours after U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites over the weekend, DHS activated the National Terrorism Advisory System. These strikes followed a long-running Israeli campaign against Iran, which triggered Iranian retaliatory attacks on Israel. Despite tensions, former President Trump announced on Monday that a ceasefire had been reached between the two nations.
Still, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem told reporters that officials are working aggressively with local law enforcement and governors to stay ahead of any potential threats. She acknowledged concerns about possible sleeper cells — including Hezbollah operatives who may have traveled overseas, become radicalized, and returned to the U.S. The Secretary made it clear the government is keeping a close watch and will remain vigilant against all forms of extremism.
In line with this, intelligence officials—both current and former—warn about the increased risk of physical and cyber retaliation from Iran, as well as the danger posed by homegrown extremists inspired by calls for violence abroad.
Beyond Foreign Nationals: A U.S. Citizen Arrested Too
Interestingly, the crackdown didn’t just snag foreign nationals. Linet Vartaniann, a U.S. citizen, was arrested on federal charges of threatening a law enforcement officer and harboring an illegal alien. According to ICE, during an encounter on Sunday, Vartaniann threatened to shoot immigration officers if they entered her home — allegedly saying she would “shoot officers in the head.” This case highlights the volatility and dangers federal agents sometimes face during enforcement actions.
The Trump Administration’s Immigration Enforcement Surge
This wave of arrests fits into a larger push by the Trump administration to ramp up immigration enforcement dramatically. Daily arrests have nearly doubled from about 660 in the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency to roughly 1,200 in June — with a stated goal of reaching 3,000 arrests per day.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told CBS News that they are targeting “the worst of the worst” and not waiting for military-style operations to act. Instead, ICE is proactively delivering on the President’s mandate to secure the homeland, focusing on individuals who represent threats beyond just immigration status.
Arrest Statistics and the Broader Immigration Picture
Looking at the bigger picture, ICE data from last fiscal year shows that 68 Iranian nationals were arrested — 47 of whom had criminal convictions. Across the entire board, ICE made about 113,000 arrests, with the majority coming from Mexico and Central America.
Given the recent geopolitical tensions with Iran, including the military strikes and ongoing proxy conflicts, these arrests underscore how immigration enforcement intersects with national security concerns.
Why This Matters and What’s Next?
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Heightened Security Environment: The arrests come amid heightened tensions following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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Focus on Public Safety: Beyond immigration violations, these individuals’ criminal histories and alleged ties to terrorist groups raise concerns about safety within U.S. borders.
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Increased Vigilance: DHS and local law enforcement agencies are stepping up coordination to monitor and prevent potential extremist activities.
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Potential for Retaliation: Intelligence officials warn about risks of cyberattacks and lone-wolf violence inspired by Iran-backed groups.
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Immigration Enforcement Intensifies: The administration’s push to accelerate arrests signals a continued focus on stringent immigration policies.
This story highlights the complex mix of immigration law enforcement, national security, and geopolitical tensions playing out on U.S. soil. While none of these arrests have been tied to specific terrorist plots so far, the authorities’ proactive approach reflects growing concerns about extremist threats amid an already tense international climate.
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