U.S. Immigration Officials Detain Qasem Soleimani’s Niece and Daughter, Strip Them of Residency

Los Angeles, April 4, 2026 – Federal immigration agents arrested Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of the slain Iranian general Qasem Soleimani, and her 25‑year‑old daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny, on Friday night. The Department of State, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, revoked both women’s lawful permanent‑resident status and ordered their removal at the first opportunity.

Background

Afshar arrived in the United States on a tourist visa in 2015, secured asylum in 2019 and received a green card in 2021. She and her daughter lived a high‑profile lifestyle in Los Angeles, documented on social media before the accounts were deleted.

Arrest and Revocation

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) took the pair into custody after authorities alleged Afshar publicly praised attacks on U.S. service members. Rubio’s statement cited “outspoken support for Iran” as the basis for revoking their residency.

Legal and Diplomatic Context

The move follows a broader policy to strip residency from individuals deemed aligned with hostile foreign powers. The arrests arrive amid heightened U.S.–Iran tensions and ongoing scrutiny of how immigration law is applied in national‑security cases.

The women remain in ICE custody pending deportation proceedings.