The Department of Homeland Security has launched an extensive operation leading to the arrest of multiple Iranian nationals living illegally in the United States, including a former army sniper and individuals with alleged ties to terrorist organizations.

According to the Daily Mail, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents apprehended 11 Iranian nationals and one American woman in a sweeping operation that began on Sunday, amid growing concerns about potential terrorist sleeper cells targeting the US.

The arrests span multiple states, including Alabama, Minnesota, Arizona, and Texas, highlighting the nationwide scope of the operation as tensions escalate between the US and Iran following recent military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Former Iranian Military Officer Found Living with American Wife

Ribvar Karimi, who served as an Iranian Army sniper from 2018 to 2021, was discovered living in Locust Fork, Alabama, with his American wife, Morgan Gardner. He had entered the country legally on a K-1 fiancé visa in October but failed to adjust his immigration status after their January marriage.

ICE agents found Karimi in possession of an Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card during his arrest. His pregnant wife has defended him, claiming he is a proud immigrant who loves America and purchased an American flag upon arrival.

The case has sparked debate about immigration screening processes, as Karimi managed to obtain a visa despite his military background in a country designated as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Suspected Terrorist with Criminal History Evaded Deportation

Mehran Makari Saheli, a 56-year-old former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps with admitted connections to Hezbollah, was apprehended in Minnesota after evading a 2022 deportation order. He had previously served 15 months in prison for illegal firearm possession.

Federal authorities have highlighted his case as particularly concerning given his ties to both the IRGC and Hezbollah, organizations designated as terrorist groups by the US government. His ability to remain in the country despite a prior deportation order has raised questions about immigration enforcement.

The arrest underscores ongoing challenges in tracking and removing individuals deemed security threats who manage to evade immigration authorities.

Multiple Arrests Reveal Pattern of Immigration Violations

Several other Iranian nationals with criminal histories were arrested across different states, including Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand in Arizona, who had been ordered to leave the US 12 years ago. Another notable arrest was Behzad Sepehrian Bahary Nejad in Texas, found carrying a 9mm pistol.

These arrests have revealed a pattern of individuals overstaying visas, violating immigration orders, and in some cases acquiring weapons illegally. Many had previous encounters with law enforcement but remained in the country.

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized that the operation targeted "known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists" who entered illegally or through what she termed "fraudulent parole programs."

Growing Concerns Over National Security Implications

This nationwide operation comes at a critical time as President Trump warns about potential Iranian sleeper cells within the United States. The revelation that approximately 1,500 Iranians entered the US during recent years has intensified scrutiny of immigration policies.

The arrests have sparked renewed debate about the effectiveness of current immigration screening processes and the potential security risks posed by individuals from countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism. Officials stress that this operation represents ongoing efforts to identify and remove security threats.

These developments highlight the complex balance between maintaining national security and managing immigration policies, particularly regarding individuals from countries with strained diplomatic relations with the United States.