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Pearsall Today
By the People, for the People
Far-Right Activist Claims Credit for Arrests of Soleimani Relatives
Laura Loomer says her social media posts led to ICE detaining two women in Texas
Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:17pm
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The controversial arrests of two reported relatives of a slain Iranian general have sparked concerns over the Trump administration's use of broad legal authorities against immigrants.Pearsall TodayFar-right commentator Laura Loomer claims she provided intel to the US government that led to the arrests of two reported relatives of slain Iranian General Qasem Soleimani. Loomer says she compiled months of social media posts by Soleimani's niece, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, and her daughter, and sent them to the State Department, triggering their detention by ICE agents in Texas. While officials have not confirmed Loomer's role, the State Department's top public affairs official reposted Loomer's claim.
Why it matters
The arrests have raised concerns about the Trump administration's use of broad legal authorities to target the distant relatives of foreign officials, with some arguing the move is unconstitutional. The case has also sparked debate over the credibility of Loomer's claims and the potential political motivations behind the detentions.
The details
According to reports, ICE agents detained Afshar and her daughter on Friday night and moved them to a detention center in Pearsall, Texas. Officials said their green cards were revoked by Senator Marco Rubio, who claimed Afshar had 'celebrated attacks on Americans' and described the US as the 'Great Satan'. However, Iranian media outlets have disputed the women's relation to Soleimani, stating he had no nieces.
- On Friday night, ICE agents detained Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter in Texas.
The players
Laura Loomer
A far-right commentator who claims she provided intel to the government that led to the arrests of two reported relatives of Qasem Soleimani.
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar
A woman reported to be the niece of slain Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, who was detained by ICE along with her daughter in Texas.
Marco Rubio
A US Senator who revoked the green cards of Afshar and her daughter, claiming Afshar had 'celebrated attacks on Americans'.
What they’re saying
“Loomer says it was her intel that triggered the US arrests of two reported relatives of slain Iranian Gen. Qasem Soleimani.”
— Laura Loomer, Far-right commentator
“Afshar had 'celebrated attacks on Americans' while describing the US as the 'Great Satan'.”
— Marco Rubio, US Senator
What’s next
The legality of the arrests and the Trump administration's use of broad authorities to target the relatives of foreign officials will likely face further scrutiny and potential legal challenges.
The takeaway
This case highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, as well as the potential for far-right activists to influence government actions through unverified claims. It also raises concerns about the due process and civil liberties of individuals targeted by the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies.
