Federal immigration officials have recently arrested 11 Iranian nationals across the United States, including a former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) who has ties to Hezbollah. The arrests took place over a 48-hour period and spanned eight states and nine cities, following increased tensions due to U.S. military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities.
Among those arrested was Ribvar Karmi, who served as an Iranian Army sniper from 2018 to 2021. He was found with an identification card from the Iranian Army when apprehended in Alabama. Karmi entered the U.S. in October 2024 on a visa intended for individuals engaged to American citizens. He will remain in custody as his removal proceedings begin.
Another individual, Mehran Makari Sahel, was arrested in Minnesota. He is a former IRGC member with confirmed connections to Hezbollah. Additionally, Yousef Mehridehno was taken into custody in Mississippi after living illegally in the U.S. for nearly eight years. He had recently been added to the U.S. terrorist watchlist for providing false information on his visa application.
These arrests are part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration, which has seen a significant increase in enforcement actions under the Trump administration. In the last fiscal year, only 68 Iranian nationals were arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This recent sweep reflects a proactive approach to national security, as officials express concerns about Iran’s proxy networks potentially operating within the U.S.
In addition to the Iranian nationals, a U.S. citizen named Linet Vartaniann was also arrested. She faces charges for allegedly threatening law enforcement officers during the arrest of an Iranian national she was accused of harboring.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has heightened its alert level following recent military operations in Iran. The DHS is warning of possible retaliatory actions, which could include physical attacks or cyber threats aimed at American infrastructure. This situation underscores the government’s commitment to monitoring individuals with suspected ties to Iranian groups in the wake of ongoing geopolitical tensions.