DHS arrests 11 Iranian nationals amid heightened security concerns
- Federal agents arrested 11 Iranian nationals across eight states, targeting those illegally present in the U.S.
- Among those detained were individuals with criminal backgrounds and links to terrorist organizations.
- The DHS indicated that these operations are part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration, emphasizing national security.
In the United States, over the weekend, federal immigration agents conducted a series of arrests involving 11 Iranian nationals across eight states. These operations were part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration following the strategic bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, ordered by President Donald Trump. Among those arrested were individuals with alleged connections to terrorist organizations and criminal histories. Notably, one detainee, Mehran Makari Saheli, is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Hezbollah, while another, Yousef Mehridehno, was recently added to the U.S. known or suspected terrorist list. The arrests took place in multiple locations including Gluckstadt, Mississippi; Locust Fork, Alabama; and San Francisco, California, raising concerns about national security. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) emphasized their proactive approach to addressing potential threats to the U.S. homeland, focusing on individuals who may pose risks due to their backgrounds and activities. Despite the arrests, DHS officials stated there are no credible threats currently identified against the homeland. Significantly, a U.S. citizen, Linet Vartaniann, was also taken into custody for threatening ICE officials during the operations, highlighting the complex dynamics surrounding immigration enforcement. The Trump administration has reiterated its commitment to carrying out such immigration operations rigorously, insisting that they target 'the worst of the worst'. This aligns with the overall strategy of maintaining national security in light of rising tensions with Iran. While past data shows a consistently high number of Iranian nationals being arrested, the urgency of this operation reflects the intensified scrutiny following military actions overseas. The overall impact of these arrests on broader immigration policy and national security is being closely monitored, with officials remaining vigilant about potential terrorist activities associated with the Iranian nationals arrested over the weekend.