ICE agents arrested the niece and grandniece of deceased Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Qasem Soleimani in Los Angeles on April 3, 2026. This action follows the termination of their green card status by Secretary of State Rubio, initiating removal proceedings against the two women.
Key Details:
- Timeline of Events:
- June 2015: Afshar enters the U.S. on a tourist visa.
- 2019: Afshar and her daughter are granted asylum.
- January 2020: U.S. airstrike kills Qasem Soleimani in Baghdad.
- 2021/2023: Both women receive green cards.
- July 2025: Afshar files for naturalization, disclosing multiple trips to Iran.
- April 3, 2026: ICE arrests both women.
- April 4, 2026: Secretary Rubio announces revocations and pending removals.
- Legal Controversy: The Department of State may lack jurisdiction over the case, as it pertains to USCIS matters.
- Asylum Claim Questioned: Officials state that recent travel to Iran could invalidate Afshar’s 2019 asylum claim.
This situation highlights the complexities surrounding asylum claims and immigration status, particularly for individuals with ties to controversial figures. Need help with your immigration case? Visit QuickFiling.us for professional immigration services.
Source: Robert Bray