Federal agents arrest Iranians with terror ties in the US
- Federal agents arrested several Iranian nationals in the U.S. linked to terrorism, as part of a crackdown on immigrants with criminal histories.
- Mehran Makari Seheli, a former member of the IRGC, was taken into custody amidst rising threats from Iranian leadership regarding potential attacks.
- The arrests raise concerns about the legality and ethics of deportations in the context of ongoing national security policies.
In June 2025, federal agents in the U.S. apprehended several Iranian nationals alleged to have connections with terrorist organizations, including Hezbollah and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Among those arrested was Mehran Makari Seheli, a 56-year-old who had resided in St. Paul, Minnesota, since 1998. Authorities indicated that Seheli had a criminal history, including a conviction for illegal weapons possession. Other detainees included Yousef Mehridehno, who was found to have provided false information on his visa application. This operation coincided with escalating threats from Iranian state leadership about potential terror actions on American soil in response to military actions against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. The arrests took place amidst a concerted effort by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to deport immigrants with criminal records. The Department of Homeland Security reported that the detainees were part of an ongoing initiative aimed at targeting known or suspected terrorists who might have unlawfully entered the U.S. This crackdown follows recent remarks by Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who raised concerns about activating so-called sleeper cells in the United States as retribution for attacks on Iran's nuclear sites. Authorities emphasized that the arrests demonstrated a proactive approach to securing the U.S. homeland. Legal representatives for the detainees, particularly for Seheli, have expressed concerns regarding the legitimacy of the accusations made against him. Bruce Nestor, who has defended Seheli, emphasized that his client had not been concealing his presence in the U.S. during his lengthy stay. The situation has become more precarious for immigrants like Seheli, especially in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling that facilitates deportations to countries even when individuals have no existing ties there. Nestor highlighted that this ruling could leave individuals vulnerable to removal in an environment increasingly hostile toward perceived threats. The operation resulted in arrests at various locations, suggesting a tactical approach by ICE to shut down networks tied to terrorist affiliations. Some individuals had overstayed their visas or failed to adjust their status appropriately. As the legal situation unfolds, many advocates are raising alarms about the implications of such detentions, focusing on broader immigration policies and their impacts on communities with immigrant populations. Central to these discussions are issues of national security, the enforcement of immigration laws, and the ethical considerations of deporting individuals to countries where their safety cannot be guaranteed.