Federal Agents Arrest 11 Iranian Nationals in Nationwide Sweep
In a coordinated operation, federal agents arrested 11 Iranian nationals, including suspected terrorists, within 48 hours, highlighting national security concerns.
ICE Arrests 11 Iranians in 48 Hours, Including 3 With Suspected Terrorist Ties
Washington Free Beacon
ICE Arrests Numerous Iranians in Post-Bombing Crackdown
Western Journal
Overview
- Federal agents conducted a 48-hour operation leading to the arrest of 11 Iranian nationals, raising alarms about national security.
- Among those arrested is Saheli, a former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps with ties to Hezbollah.
- Yousef Mehridehno was apprehended after living illegally in the U.S. for nearly 8 years, having lied on his visa application.
- An identification card from the Islamic Republic of Iran Army was found during the arrest of Ribvar Karmi in Alabama, linking him to the operation.
- One U.S. citizen was also arrested for allegedly threatening law enforcement and harboring an illegal immigrant during the sweep.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the arrests of Iranian nationals with a focus on national security concerns, emphasizing ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and illegal immigration. The tone suggests a serious threat, reflecting a bias towards law enforcement narratives while highlighting the complexities of immigration enforcement and public safety.
Five of those arrested possessed previous criminal convictions ranging from grand larceny to drug and firearm possessions.
Officials have not linked these arrests to any specific terrorism plots.
Current and former intelligence officials caution that America is on high alert for physical or cyber retaliation.
Articles (7)
Center (1)
"…ICE officials contend the woman threatened to open fire if immigration enforcement officers entered her home."
CBS News·20d·FAQ
The individuals arrested included 11 Iranian nationals, one of whom is a former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps with ties to Hezbollah, an alleged former Iranian Army sniper, and several with prior criminal convictions. Additionally, one U.S. citizen was arrested for threatening law enforcement and harboring an illegal immigrant.
The arrests were due to illegal presence in the U.S., previous criminal convictions, suspected terrorist connections, visa fraud, and involvement in activities threatening public safety. Some had admitted ties to Hezbollah and military backgrounds in Iran, such as being an army sniper.
Officials have not linked these arrests to any specific terrorism plots, and the Department of Homeland Security has stated there are no current credible threats to the U.S. homeland, although the arrested individuals represent a public safety threat.
Some entered legally on visas, such as a K-1 visa for marriage, but failed to adjust their status as required. Others lived in the U.S. illegally for years or lied on visa applications to stay in the country.
There has been an increase in arrests of Iranian nationals at the U.S. southern border over recent years, with many released into the country despite concerns about terrorism. Nearly 1,500 Iranian nationals were arrested since fiscal year 2021, with about half released, raising national security concerns.
History
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