ICE arrests grandniece of Iranian terror leader in Los Angeles

Panicked 911 call captures dramatic moment federal agents swoop in on Soleimani family member

Apr. 7, 2026 at 3:16pm

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An extreme close-up of a metal handcuff or police badge, dramatically lit by a harsh flash against a dark background, conceptually representing the tense arrest of a relative of an Iranian terror leader.The dramatic arrest of an Iranian terror leader's relative exposes the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.Los Angeles Today

Federal immigration agents arrested Sarinasadat Hosseiny, the 25-year-old grandniece of slain Iranian terror leader Gen. Qasem Soleimani, in a dramatic operation in Los Angeles on Friday. Hosseiny's terrified boyfriend called 911 to report that he thought she was being kidnapped when several black vehicles pulled up and agents with guns took her into custody.

Why it matters

The arrest of Soleimani's family member highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the aggressive tactics used by federal immigration authorities in high-profile cases. Soleimani was a powerful Iranian general killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020, and his relatives have faced increased scrutiny from American law enforcement.

The details

According to the 911 call, several black vehicles pulled up and 5-6 individuals with guns took Hosseiny into custody. The boyfriend reported that he thought she was being kidnapped before realizing it was an immigration enforcement action. Hosseiny was arrested on unspecified immigration violations.

  • Hosseiny was arrested on Friday, April 4, 2026.

The players

Sarinasadat Hosseiny

The 25-year-old grandniece of slain Iranian terror leader Gen. Qasem Soleimani.

Qasem Soleimani

A powerful Iranian general killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020.

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What they’re saying

“black vehicles pulled up and 5-6 individuals with guns took girlfriend.”

— Hosseiny's boyfriend

The takeaway

This arrest highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as the aggressive tactics used by federal immigration authorities in high-profile cases involving relatives of designated terrorists.