Rubio Revokes Green Cards of Soleimani Relatives, ICE Arrests Them in Los Angeles

The State Department terminated the legal status of the relatives of a former Iranian official for supporting anti-American terrorist regimes.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Federal agents arrested Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter in Los Angeles after Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their lawful permanent resident status. Authorities acted under immigration law to terminate the women's green cards due to Afshar's outspoken support for the Iranian regime and its terrorist activities, including praising attacks on American soldiers and facilities.

Why it matters

This case highlights how immigration law can be used as a national security tool to remove foreign nationals who abuse the privilege of lawful permanent residency to advocate for America's enemies. It raises questions about how many others with ties to hostile regimes may be living comfortably in the U.S. while working against American interests.

The details

Afshar is the niece of deceased Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Qasem Soleimani. She and her daughter had been green card holders living in Los Angeles. According to the State Department, Afshar was an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime who promoted propaganda, celebrated attacks on American troops, and expressed support for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated terrorist organization. Rubio also barred Afshar's husband from entering the U.S., and the State Department terminated the legal status of the daughter of a former senior Iranian official and her husband earlier this month.

  • On Friday night, federal agents arrested Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter in Los Angeles.
  • On Saturday, the State Department announced the action to revoke the women's permanent resident status.

The players

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State who terminated the lawful permanent resident status of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter.

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar

The niece of deceased Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Major General Qasem Soleimani, who had been a lawful permanent resident living in Los Angeles and was an outspoken supporter of the Iranian regime.

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that carried out the operation to arrest Afshar and her daughter.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that took Afshar and her daughter into custody, pending their removal from the United States.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This week, I terminated both Afshar and her daughter's legal status, and they are now in ICE custody, pending removal from the United States.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State

“Afshar Soleimani pushed this propaganda for Iran's terrorist regime while enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles, as attested to by her frequent posting on her recently deleted Instagram account.”

— U.S. Department of State

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Afshar and her daughter to be released on bail pending their removal from the United States.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates how immigration law can be a powerful tool for national security, allowing the government to revoke the legal status of foreign nationals who abuse the privilege of permanent residency to advocate for America's enemies. It raises concerns about how many others with ties to hostile regimes may be living comfortably in the U.S. while working against American interests.