How it unfolded
In early 2026, tensions between the United States and Iran escalated dramatically, culminating in a war that began on February 28. Amidst this backdrop, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of the late Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, found herself at the center of a significant legal controversy in the United States.
On April 4, 2026, the situation took a decisive turn when the US State Department accused Hamideh Soleimani Afshar of being an “outspoken supporter” of Iran. This accusation was serious, as it came during a time when the US government was actively seeking to revoke the legal immigration statuses of individuals perceived to be aligned with enemies of the state. Hamideh and her daughter had their permanent residency revoked, leading to their arrest by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Marco Rubio, a prominent US Senator, confirmed the termination of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar’s legal status on social media, stating, “The Trump Administration will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes.” This statement underscored the administration’s hardline stance against individuals with ties to Iran, particularly following the assassination of Qassem Soleimani in a US drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020.
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar has been accused of celebrating military strikes against American personnel and labeling the US as the “Great Satan.” These allegations have fueled the narrative that she poses a threat to US national security. Furthermore, her husband has also been barred from entering the US, complicating her situation further.
Laura Loomer, a controversial political activist, played a role in bringing attention to Hamideh’s activities, reporting her to the State Department. Loomer described Hamideh as living a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles while posting pro-Iranian regime and pro-IRGC content on social media. Loomer remarked, “This is a big scalp,” indicating the significance of the arrests in the broader context of US-Iran relations.
As of now, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter remain in custody, with the legal proceedings against them ongoing. The implications of their case are profound, not only for the individuals involved but also for the broader narrative surrounding US immigration policy and its intersection with foreign relations.
The arrests have sparked a debate about the balance between national security and the rights of individuals living in the US. Zeinab Soleimani, a relative, has publicly defended Hamideh, claiming, “The individuals arrested in the United States have no connection whatsoever to martyr Soleimani, and the claim made by the US State Department is false.” This statement reflects the contentious nature of the allegations and the potential for further developments in the case.
Details remain unconfirmed as the situation continues to evolve, but the case of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar serves as a critical example of the complexities at the intersection of immigration, national security, and international relations.