Niece of Slain Iranian General Detained in US Over Alleged Regime Ties

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter had their green cards revoked after accusations of promoting Iranian propaganda and celebrating attacks on US forces.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 7:54am

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Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of slain Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, and her daughter Sarinasadat Hosseiny were arrested and detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on April 3, 2026. Their green cards were revoked over alleged ties to the Iranian regime, including promoting propaganda and celebrating attacks on American soldiers and military bases.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, as well as the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on foreign nationals with suspected ties to the Iranian government. The case also raises questions about the vetting process for granting asylum and green cards to individuals with potential links to designated terrorist organizations.

The details

According to the US Department of State, Afshar had promoted regime propaganda and celebrated attacks against US soldiers and military bases in the Middle East. She was also reported to have praised the new Iranian Supreme Leader, denounced America as the "Great Satan," and voiced her support for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, a designated terror organization. Afshar's husband has also been barred from entering the country.

  • On April 3, 2026, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter Sarinasadat Hosseiny were arrested by ICE agents in California.
  • Afshar entered the US in 2015 on a tourist visa, was granted asylum in 2019, and obtained a green card in 2021. Her daughter also entered the US in 2015 on a student visa and became a green card holder in 2023.

The players

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar

The 47-year-old niece of slain Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, who was arrested and detained by ICE along with her daughter over alleged ties to the Iranian regime.

Sarinasadat Hosseiny

The 25-year-old daughter of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, who was also arrested and detained by ICE along with her mother.

Marco Rubio

The US Secretary of State who confirmed the arrests of Afshar and her daughter and stated that they would not allow the US to become a "home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes".

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What they’re saying

“While living in the United States, she promoted Iranian regime propaganda, celebrated attacks against American soldiers and military facilities in the Middle East.”

— Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State

“The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.”

— Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State

What’s next

The US government will likely continue to scrutinize the immigration status and activities of individuals with suspected ties to the Iranian regime, and may take further action against Afshar and her daughter.

The takeaway

This case highlights the Trump administration's hardline stance on immigration and national security, particularly when it comes to individuals with alleged connections to designated terrorist organizations like the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. It also raises questions about the vetting process for granting asylum and green cards to foreign nationals.