Two relatives of a deceased Iranian military leader have been taken into federal custody in Los Angeles following the revocation of their legal residency status. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny, on Friday, April 4, 2026, according to statements from federal authorities.
The arrests come amid allegations that the women utilized their residency in the United States to maintain a high-standard of living even as simultaneously promoting propaganda for the Iranian government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the termination of their legal status, citing Afshar’s outspoken support for the regime in Tehran.
According to federal officials, the two women—identified as the niece and grand-niece of the late Major General Qasem Soleimani—frequently posted images and videos on social media that depicted a “lavish” and “decidedly Western lifestyle” in Los Angeles. While, this public image contrasted with political rhetoric that denigrated the United States and praised the Iranian leadership reported by the Los Angeles Times.
Revocation of Green Cards and ICE Detention
The legal status of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and Sarinasadat Hosseiny was revoked by the State Department, leading to their immediate detention by immigration agents. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the decision to terminate their green cards was based on Afshar’s active support of what he described as a “totalitarian, terrorist regime in Iran.”
In a public statement on X, Rubio noted that Afshar had celebrated attacks on Americans and referred to the United States as the “Great Satan.” He emphasized that the Trump administration would not permit the U.S. To serve as a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes via ABC7.
While the two women are currently in ICE custody pending removal from the United States, the State Department has not announced any specific criminal charges against Afshar or Hosseiny. Rubio revealed that Afshar’s husband has been barred from entering the United States.
The Connection to Qasem Soleimani
The women are identified by U.S. Officials as relatives of Major General Qasem Soleimani, a prominent commander in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Soleimani was killed in a U.S. Drone strike in 2020 during the final days of President Trump’s first term, an action U.S. Officials at the time justified as necessary to prevent an “imminent attack” via ABC7.
Despite the assertions made by the U.S. Government, the family connection has been contested. Iranian media has quoted a statement from the daughter of the late general, who claims that Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and Sarinasadat Hosseiny bear no relation to Qasem Soleimani. The statement further characterized the claims made by the U.S. State Department as a “lie” via the Los Angeles Times.
Broader Context of Legal Status Revocations
The detention of Afshar and Hosseiny is part of a broader trend of the U.S. Government revoking the legal status of Iranian nationals alleged to be supporting the regime in Tehran. The State Department has indicated that Here’s part of a wider effort to identify and remove individuals with ties to the “Iranian terror regime” via state.gov.
The case highlights the tension between the privileges of U.S. Permanent residency and the security screenings regarding political affiliations and support for foreign entities designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. Government. By utilizing social media screenshots and federal investigations, authorities were able to link the women’s private lifestyle in Los Angeles with their public political expressions in support of the IRGC and the Iranian leadership.
Key Details of the Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Individuals Detained | Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and Sarinasadat Hosseiny |
| Alleged Relation | Niece and grand-niece of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani |
| Action Taken | Green cards revoked; detained by ICE |
| Location of Arrest | Los Angeles, California |
| Primary Allegation | Promoting Iranian regime propaganda and celebrating attacks on Americans |
The next confirmed step in this process is the removal of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and Sarinasadat Hosseiny from the United States, as they remain in ICE custody pending deportation to Iran.
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