BOMBSHELL Arrest: They Lied, Partied, Mocked America

The niece and grand-niece of slain Iranian General Qasem Soleimani were arrested by ICE in Los Angeles after federal authorities discovered they fraudulently obtained asylum while publicly celebrating attacks on American forces and living lavishly in the United States.

Story Snapshot

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter arrested April 3, 2026, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their green cards for fraud and security threats
Afshar made four trips to Iran after receiving her green card, directly contradicting her 2019 asylum claim that she fled persecution
Both women publicly promoted Iranian regime propaganda and celebrated attacks on U.S. forces while enjoying a “lavish lifestyle” in Los Angeles
The arrests signal broader Trump administration crackdown on foreign nationals connected to adversarial regimes who exploit U.S. immigration benefits

Asylum Fraud Uncovered Through Naturalization Application

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar entered the United States in June 2015 on a tourist visa, later obtaining asylum in 2019 by claiming she faced persecution from the Iranian regime. She and her daughter received green cards in 2021 and 2023 respectively under the Biden administration. The fraud unraveled when Afshar filed a naturalization application in July 2025, disclosing at least four trips back to Iran after obtaining her green card. Asylum status requires demonstrating fear of persecution by one’s home government, making these return trips clear evidence of fraudulent claims that contradict her original asylum petition.

Public Support for Regime While Living in America

Throughout her residence in Los Angeles, Afshar actively promoted Iranian regime propaganda on social media and celebrated attacks against U.S. forces in the Middle East. Secretary Rubio stated she “celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to our country as the ‘Great Satan'” while enjoying privileged status and a comfortable lifestyle funded by American taxpayers. The Department of Homeland Security documented extensive evidence of her anti-American advocacy, which directly contradicted her claims of fearing the Iranian government. This pattern of behavior raises serious questions about how individuals openly hostile to American interests successfully navigated the asylum system during previous administrations.

Family Ties to Deceased Iranian Military Leader

Qasem Soleimani commanded the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force and was killed in a U.S. drone strike near Baghdad airport in January 2020 during President Trump’s first term. The general was responsible for orchestrating attacks against American forces throughout the Middle East and was considered one of Iran’s most powerful and dangerous military figures. His niece Afshar’s presence in the United States, combined with her public support for the regime that ordered attacks on Americans, represents exactly the type of security vulnerability that immigration enforcement exists to prevent. The case demonstrates how family connections to foreign adversaries can create opportunities for exploitation of American generosity.

Broader Crackdown on Iranian Regime Supporters

The arrests of Afshar and her daughter are part of a wider Trump administration initiative to revoke visas and green cards for individuals connected to the Iranian government. Earlier in April 2026, the State Department terminated the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of former Iranian security official Ali Larijani, and her husband. A DHS spokesperson emphasized that holding a green card is a privilege, not a right, stating: “If we have reason to believe a green card holder poses a threat to the U.S., the green card will be revoked.” This enforcement approach prioritizes national security over immigration benefits previously granted under questionable circumstances.

Deportation Proceedings and Policy Implications

Both women remain in ICE custody pending formal removal proceedings and face imminent deportation to Iran. Afshar’s husband has been permanently barred from entering the United States. The State Department made clear that America “will not serve as a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.” This case establishes important precedent for revoking immigration benefits based on documented support for adversarial governments and fraudulent asylum claims. For Americans frustrated with previous administrations’ lax enforcement policies, these actions demonstrate accountability in protecting national security interests and ensuring immigration privileges are not abused by those who openly despise our country while exploiting its benefits.