A massive federal operation has sent shockwaves through national security circles as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conducted a sweeping 48-hour operation targeting Iranian nationals with dangerous backgrounds.
According to Daily Wire, federal immigration officials have arrested 11 Iranian nationals across eight states and nine cities, including individuals with concerning ties to terrorist organizations and military backgrounds.
The operation comes at a particularly sensitive time following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, raising concerns about potential retaliatory actions on American soil. Among those arrested was a former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps member who admitted connections to Hezbollah and another individual who was recently added to the U.S. terrorist watchlist.
Former Military Personnel Pose Serious Security Threat
One of the most alarming arrests involved Ribvar Karmi, who was apprehended in Alabama carrying an Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card. Karmi, who served as an Iranian Army sniper from 2018 to 2021, had entered the United States in October 2024 using a K-1 visa meant for individuals engaged to American citizens.
Mehran Makari Sahel's arrest in Minnesota has particularly concerned authorities due to his background as a former member of the Iranian military's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His admitted connections to Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organization, highlight the potential risks posed by individuals with military training and terrorist affiliations.
The case of Yousef Mehridehno demonstrates how some individuals have managed to evade detection for extended periods. After lying on his visa application, Mehridehno lived illegally in America for nearly eight years before his arrest in Mississippi, having been added to the U.S. terrorist watchlist just four months ago.
Heightened Security Measures Following Military Action
The Department of Homeland Security has activated its National Terrorism Advisory System in response to the weekend strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. This move reflects the administration's concerns about possible retaliatory actions against American interests.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the proactive nature of these operations, stating their commitment to President Trump's homeland security mandate. The recent arrests represent a significant increase in ICE's enforcement activities targeting Iranian nationals.
The Trump administration has directed federal agencies to increase their surveillance of suspected Iranian agents and sympathizers. This enhanced monitoring comes as part of a broader strategy to prevent potential terrorist activities on American soil.
Civilian Interference and Daily Arrest Goals
During the operation, authorities also arrested U.S. citizen Linet Vartaniann for allegedly harboring an unlawfully present Iranian national. Vartaniann faces federal charges after reportedly threatening to "shoot officers in the head" during the arrest.
ICE's daily arrest numbers have shown a substantial increase under the Trump administration, rising from 660 in the president's first 100 days to 1,200 in June. The administration has set an ambitious target of 3,000 arrests per day as part of its illegal immigration crackdown.
These arrests mark a significant shift from the previous fiscal year when ICE arrested only 68 Iranian foreign nationals in total. The dramatic increase reflects the administration's heightened focus on national security threats.
Operation Highlights Growing National Security Concerns
The successful 48-hour operation across multiple states has revealed the extent of potential security threats posed by individuals with connections to hostile foreign powers. The arrests of 11 Iranian nationals, including those with military backgrounds and terrorist links, demonstrate the ongoing challenges facing U.S. immigration enforcement.
The operation's timing, following recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, underscores the delicate balance between international relations and domestic security. The Department of Homeland Security continues to monitor potential retaliatory actions, including both physical and cyber threats to American infrastructure.
The arrests represent a significant victory for ICE and the Trump administration's broader strategy to enhance national security through aggressive immigration enforcement. As tensions with Iran remain high, federal agencies maintain their vigilance against potential threats to American interests.
