11 Iranian Nationals Detained by ICE in Two Days

As part of a targeted initiative, immigration authorities have apprehended eleven individuals from Iran within a 48-hour timeframe. This move is part of a broader effort spanning across multiple states and cities nationwide.

Among those detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently was Mehran Makari Sahel, taken into custody in St. Paul, Minnesota. Authorities allege Sahel has historical ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and acknowledged associations with Hezbollah.

ICE has indicated that five individuals arrested have prior criminal records, with charges including grand theft, drug-related offenses, and possession of firearms.

The Department of Homeland Security revealed that Yousef Mehridehno had unlawfully resided in the U.S. for almost a decade, lying on his visa application. Named on the U.S. terrorist watchlist earlier this year, he was apprehended in Mississippi.

There have been no verified links to terrorism plots, according to Homeland Security, and there are no active threats despite tensions following U.S. actions in Iran.

These Iranian nationals face numerous allegations beyond immigration violations, as emphasized by ICE, citing public safety concerns.

In Alabama, officials detained Ribvar Karmi, who was discovered with an Iranian military ID. Karmi allegedly served as a sniper in the Iranian Army and entered the U.S. with a fiancé visa.

Also arrested was U.S. national Linet Vartaniann, suspected of threatening an officer and sheltering an undocumented immigrant. She allegedly threatened to use a firearm against immigration officers.

This series of raids follows a tactic to escalate the arrest rate under the Trump administration, aiming for thousands of detentions daily.

According to DHS's Tricia McLaughlin, they aim to enforce immigration laws proactively without waiting for heightened circumstances.

Last year, ICE arrested a significant number of Iranian nationals, primarily those with criminal records, as part of a wider enforcement action targeting illegal immigration.

Amid international tensions, Homeland Security has enhanced its terrorism advisory, with a focus on potential threats stemming from Iran.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized cooperation with local authorities to identify potential hazards promptly.

Although speculation about Hezbollah sleeper cells exists, Homeland Security refrains from confirming their presence, focusing instead on vigilance.