Relatives Of Qasem Soleimani Detained After U.S. Green Cards Revoked, Rubio Says

Federal authorities have detained the niece and grandniece of the late Iranian general Qasem Soleimani after U.S. immigration authorities revoked their permanent resident status, Senator Marco Rubio announced. The State Department issued a statement identifying Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter as supportive of Iran’s ruling establishment and said they are now in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

What Officials Say

Sen. Rubio posted on X that the two women "were green card holders living lavishly in the United States" and that their legal status was terminated after posts that allegedly celebrated attacks on American soldiers and promoted Iranian regime propaganda. A State Department release said Afshar had publicly praised Iran’s leadership, denounced the U.S. as the "Great Satan," and voiced support for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which U.S. authorities have designated a terrorist organization.

"While living in the United States, she promoted Iranian regime propaganda, celebrated attacks against American soldiers and military facilities in the Middle East, praised the new Iranian Supreme Leader, denounced America as the 'Great Satan,' and voiced her unflinching support for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps," the department statement said.

The statement also noted that Afshar's husband is barred from entering the United States.

Context And Timing

The detentions were announced as U.S. search-and-rescue operations continued after a U.S. fighter jet went down over Iran earlier in the week; one pilot was reportedly rescued and authorities were searching for a second crew member. President Donald Trump warned of a possible "massive military operation" if Iran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which about 20% of the world's traded oil passes.

Background

Qasem Soleimani, a senior Iranian military commander, was killed in a U.S. drone strike in January 2020 during President Trump's first term. U.S. officials have previously scrutinized and sanctioned individuals linked to organizations they deem to support terrorism or violent acts against Americans.

Next Steps

Afshar and her daughter remain in ICE custody pending immigration proceedings. The Department of State and Department of Homeland Security did not provide additional details about timelines for removal or appeals. Critics and civil liberties groups often emphasize that revocation of immigration status triggers legal processes and avenues for defense in U.S. courts.