Immigration authorities have arrested 16 Iranian nationals with suspected terror ties and violent criminal histories across multiple states, revealing a frightening security failure that may have put sleeper cells on American soil.
At a Glance
- ICE arrested at least 16 Iranian nationals across multiple states, including individuals with suspected ties to terrorism
- One detainee, Mehran Makari Sahel, is a former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps member with connections to Hezbollah
- Another arrestee, Yousef Mehridehno, was on the terrorist watchlist and had been living illegally in the US for eight years
- Several of those arrested had violent criminal histories including child sexual assault, drug trafficking, and stalking
- The Biden administration had previously released 729 of approximately 1,500 Iranian nationals who entered illegally
Suspected Terrorists Among Those Arrested
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a sweeping operation across eight states, resulting in the arrest of at least 16 illegal Iranian migrants, including several suspected terrorists with alarming backgrounds. Among those detained was Mehran Makari Sahel, a former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps who reportedly maintained connections to the terrorist organization Hezbollah. Sahel was apprehended near St. Paul, Minnesota, representing just one of several concerning cases in this nationwide security operation.
In another troubling case, authorities arrested Yousef Mehridehno in Jackson, Mississippi. Mehridehno was already on the terrorist watchlist and had been living illegally in the United States for eight years after lying on his visa application. Meanwhile, Ribvar Karmi, arrested in northern Alabama, was found with an Iranian army ID card that identified him as a sniper who served from 2018 to 2021. These arrests highlight the concerning reality that individuals with military training and potential terrorist connections have successfully entered and remained in the country.
Violent Criminals with Iranian Ties
The operation revealed a disturbing pattern of violent criminal histories among the detained Iranian nationals. Mohammad Hassanpoor, 45, arrested in Baltimore, has previous convictions for assault, battery, and stalking. In Chicago, authorities apprehended 45-year-old Kaveh Abedi for immigration violations, discovering he had a 2001 conviction for selling cocaine. Perhaps most disturbing was the case of Sahand Yousefinasrabadi, arrested in Texas, who carries a 2013 conviction for aggravated sexual assault of a child.
“Under Secretary Noem, DHS has identified and arrested known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists that illegally entered this country, came in through [President Joe] Biden’s fraudulent parole programs or otherwise”
Arish Rustami, with a prior sex offense, and Abdolmohammad Raghibzadeh, who has had a deportation order since 2005 but remained in the country, were also among those taken into custody. In total, at least five of the eleven Iranian nationals initially arrested had previous criminal convictions, including grand larceny and illegal possession of drugs and firearms. The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that these arrests are part of a broader initiative to expel known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists from American soil.
Warnings of Iranian “Sleeper Cells”
The arrests come amid heightened concerns about potential Iranian “sleeper cells” operating within the United States, particularly following recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites. Border agents have been issued explicit warnings about this threat, with Iranian migrants being classified as “special interest aliens” subject to stricter vetting due to possible terrorism ties. CBP Commissioner Rodney Scott has emphasized the unprecedented threat level posed by potential sleeper cells or sympathizers who might act on behalf of Iran.
“Over the past four years, thousands of Iranian nationals have been documented entering the United States illegally and countless more were likely in the known and unknown got-a-ways,” Scott wrote. “Though we have not received any specific credible threats to share with you all currently, the threat of sleeper cells or sympathizers acting on their own, or at the behest of Iran has never been higher,” he added.”
These arrests highlight a critical national security failure that occurred under the previous administration. Records show that during the Biden administration, a staggering 729 out of approximately 1,500 Iranian nationals who entered the United States illegally were released into the country. This policy created a significant security vulnerability that the current operation is attempting to address. Border agents have been advised to maintain heightened situational awareness both on and off duty as this threat continues to evolve.
DHS Takes Decisive Action
Department of Homeland Security officials have made it clear that this operation reflects a shift in enforcement priorities under the current administration. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the department is proactively fulfilling its mandate to secure the homeland, stating that they don’t wait for military operations to execute their duties. This approach represents a direct response to what many security experts have identified as permissive policies that potentially allowed national security threats to establish themselves within American communities.
“We have been saying we are getting the worst of the worst out — and we are. We don’t wait until a military operation to execute; we proactively deliver on President Trump’s mandate to secure the homeland”
As the operation continues, authorities are focusing on identifying and apprehending additional individuals who may pose security risks. The arrests serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration, particularly from countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that protecting American communities from these threats remains a top priority, with additional enforcement actions likely in the coming weeks.
