Here’s what Americans need to know.
President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown took a dramatic turn this weekend as ICE agents arrested 11 Iranian nationals found to be in the United States illegally, including individuals tied to known terror organizations. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that the arrests are part of a national security operation to stop potential sleeper cells and violent criminals before they can strike.
ICE Identifies Terror Links and Repeat Offenders
Among those detained was Mehran Makari Saheli, 56, a convicted felon and former member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Saheli reportedly admitted to having ties to Hezbollah, a terrorist group designated by the U.S. government. He had been ordered deported in 2022 but remained unlawfully in Minnesota.
Another man, Yousef Mehridehno, had his green card revoked in 2017 after being labeled a known or suspected terrorist. He was captured in Mississippi and is now in custody, awaiting deportation.
Weapons, Assaults, and Immigration Violations Uncovered
ICE officers found multiple individuals in possession of illegal firearms, including one Iranian man arrested in Houston carrying a loaded 9mm pistol. That same individual had a history of domestic violence, with records showing threats against his own wife.
In Phoenix, Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand was arrested after being previously convicted for threatening law enforcement while illegally possessing a weapon. He had received a voluntary departure order in 2013 but never left.
Terrorist Watch List, Military Training, and Fraud Schemes
One suspect, Ribvar Karimi, had served as an Iranian Army sniper before entering the U.S. on a fiancé visa. He failed to adjust his status, making his presence unlawful. Another man, Mohammad Rafikian, 65, had convictions including grand larceny, criminal impersonation, and fraudulently practicing law.
The DHS emphasized the grave concern surrounding individuals with military training or terrorist designations entering the country unlawfully, especially under the Biden-era parole loopholes.
U.S. Citizen Arrested for Threatening ICE Agents
Federal agents also arrested Linet Vartaniann, a U.S. citizen, who allegedly threatened to shoot ICE officers during an attempt to apprehend Eidivand in Tempe, Arizona. She now faces federal charges for harboring an illegal alien and threatening law enforcement.
Trump’s DHS Sends Clear Message: No Safe Haven for Illegals
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin praised the operation:
“Under Secretary Noem and President Trump’s leadership, we are identifying and removing violent extremists and terrorists who slipped through the cracks during Biden’s open border disaster. This is what proactive homeland security looks like.”
Conservatives Applaud Homeland Security Efforts
Rep. Jack Kimble (R-CA) reassured citizens, posting:
“Some fear Iranian sleeper cells. Don’t. ICE is doing its job. If they show up at an immigration court, they’ll be caught.”
All Suspects in Federal Custody and Awaiting Deportation
Every individual arrested is currently in ICE custody, pending removal or deportation. This operation is a powerful reminder that President Trump’s immigration policies remain laser-focused on protecting American families from criminal aliens, terror threats, and lawless entry into our homeland.