US Deports Iranians Linked to Tehran Regime in Security Crackdown

Deportations target individuals in Los Angeles with alleged ties to Iranian government

Apr. 14, 2026 at 12:20am

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a government office or political building, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows cast across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the complexities of national security policy.The deportation of Iranian nationals with alleged ties to the regime in Tehran underscores the US government's efforts to address national security concerns and prevent the country from becoming a safe haven for anti-American supporters.Los Angeles Today

The U.S. government has initiated a series of deportations targeting seven Iranian nationals with links to the Iranian regime, marking a significant crackdown on individuals perceived as threats to national security. The actions, led by the State Department and Department of Homeland Security, focus on individuals in Los Angeles and reflect concerns over national security and alleged support for the Iranian government.

Why it matters

This crackdown on Iranians with ties to the Tehran regime signals a shift in U.S. policy towards individuals affiliated with the Iranian government, particularly those living in the U.S. while allegedly supporting the regime. It reflects the government's efforts to counteract potential threats and ensure the U.S. does not become a safe haven for those supporting anti-American terrorist regimes.

The details

The deportations involve revoking green cards, investigating fraudulent asylum claims, and sending a strong message against those supporting the Iranian regime while in the U.S. Among those targeted are Seyed Eissa Hashemi, the son of a prominent Iranian figure, and Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of slain general Qasem Soleimani. Other deportees include a faculty member at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute and her husband, who had received legal status in 2021.

  • The crackdown and deportations began in April 2026.
  • On April 3, 2026, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter had their green cards revoked.

The players

Seyed Eissa Hashemi

The son of Masoumeh Ebtekar, known as 'Screaming Mary,' who served as the Islamic revolution's spokesperson during the 1979 U.S. embassy takeover.

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar

The niece of slain general Qasem Soleimani.

Dr. Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani

A faculty member at Emory University's Winship Cancer Institute, and the daughter of Ali Larijani, a prominent Iranian security official.

Seyed Kalantar Motamedi

The husband of Dr. Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani.

Marco Rubio

The U.S. Secretary of State, who has stressed the administration's commitment to not allowing the U.S. to be a home for people that actively support anti-American terrorists.

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What they’re saying

“The administration is committed to not allowing the US to be a home for people that actively support anti-American terrorists.”

— Marco Rubio, U.S. Secretary of State

What’s next

The U.S. government is expected to continue its crackdown on individuals with alleged ties to the Iranian regime, particularly those living in the U.S. and suspected of supporting the Tehran government.

The takeaway

This deportation crackdown on Iranians with links to the Iranian regime reflects the U.S. government's heightened concerns over national security and its efforts to prevent the U.S. from becoming a safe haven for those supporting anti-American terrorist regimes. It signals a shift in policy towards individuals affiliated with the Tehran government, particularly those residing in the U.S.