U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has reported the arrest of 11 Iranian nationals who were allegedly present in the United States unlawfully over the past weekend. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Public Affairs issued a press release indicating that these operations are part of a broader commitment to preventing individuals identified as known or suspected terrorists from residing in American communities.
DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated that the department, under Secretary Noem, has been actively engaged in identifying and arresting individuals classified as known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists who have allegedly entered the country unlawfully or through specific parole programs. McLaughlin emphasized the objective of removing individuals deemed “the worst of the worst,” asserting that the department is proactively working to secure the homeland in alignment with presidential mandates.
Among those apprehended was Ribvar Karimi, arrested in Locust, Alabama, on June 22. Karimi reportedly served as an Iranian Army sniper from 2018 to 2021 and was found with an Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card. He entered the U.S. in October 2024 on a K-1 visa but allegedly did not adjust his immigration status. He is currently in ICE custody awaiting removal proceedings.
In Houston, on the same day, ICE officials arrested Behzad Sepehrian Bahary Nejad, an individual with a final order of removal, who was allegedly carrying a loaded 9mm pistol. Sepehrian entered the U.S. in December 2016 on an F-1 student visa, and his student status was later terminated. An immigration judge ordered his removal in October 2019.
Also in Houston, Hamid Reza Bayat, an Iranian national ordered removed nearly two decades ago, in August 2005, was arrested. Bayat has prior convictions for drug offenses and driving on a suspended license. Both Sepehrian and Bayat are in ICE custody.
In Tempe, Arizona, on June 22, ICE agents apprehended Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, an Iranian citizen with a final order of removal. Eidivand was convicted of threatening a law enforcement officer and being an alien in possession of a firearm. He entered the U.S. in June 2012 and was granted voluntary departure in August 2013 but allegedly did not leave.
At the same residence, Linet Vartaniann, a U.S. citizen, was arrested for allegedly threatening a law enforcement officer and harboring Eidivand. Authorities state Vartaniann threatened to harm ICE officers.
Additional arrests on June 22 included Yousef Mehridehno, an Iranian national and former lawful permanent resident, apprehended in Gluckstadt, Mississippi. Mehridehno’s residency was terminated in October 2017 due to alleged misrepresentation on his visa application and potential marriage fraud. He was identified as a known or suspected terrorist in February and is in ICE custody.
In Colorado Springs, ICE officials arrested Mahmoud Shafiei and Mehrdad Mehdipour, two allegedly unlawfully present Iranian nationals living together. Shafiei has a history with immigration officials dating back to 1981 and a criminal history including drug convictions. Mehdipour was encountered by U.S. Border Patrol in June 2023. Both are in ICE custody.
Furthermore, on June 22, ICE arrested Mehran Makari Saheli in St. Paul, Minnesota. Saheli, a 56-year-old Iranian national, has a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm and is identified as a former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) with admitted connections to Hezbollah. An immigration judge ordered his removal in June 2022, but he allegedly remained in the U.S. He is now in ICE custody.
In San Francisco, ICE arrested Bahman Alizadeh Asfestani, a 62-year-old Iranian national, with a criminal history including convictions for petty theft and possession of a controlled substance for sale. He is in ICE custody.
On June 23, ICE Buffalo arrested Mohammad Rafikian, a 65-year-old Iranian national convicted of grand larceny, schemes to defraud, criminal impersonation, and practicing as an attorney.
On the same date, ICE San Diego arrested Arkavan Babk Moirokorli, a 57-year-old Iranian national convicted of forging an official seal. Both Rafikian and Moirokorli are in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
