Rubio Revokes Green Cards of Soleimani's Niece and Daughter; Both Arrested by ICE in Los Angeles

Why Rubio Acted

The State Department cited Soleimani Afshar's public conduct on social media as the basis for revoking her status. 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 support for the IRGC, a U.S.-designated terror organization.

The State Department said Afshar pushed this propaganda for Iran's terrorist regime while enjoying a lavish lifestyle in Los Angeles, as reflected in posts on her recently deleted Instagram account.

In announcing the move, Rubio wrote on X: "Until recently, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were green card holders living lavishly in the United States. This week, I terminated both Afshar and her daughter's legal status and they are now in ICE custody, pending removal from the United States."

Afshar's husband has also been separately barred from entering the United States.

This action is part of a broader initiative under Secretary Rubio targeting individuals linked to the Iranian regime. Earlier this month, Rubio also revoked the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, daughter of a former top Iranian security official, and her husband. That pair have already been deported and barred from future entry.

The Trump administration has stated that it "will not allow our country to become a home for foreign nationals who support anti-American terrorist regimes."

The move drew sharp reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters called it long overdue; critics characterized it as collective punishment or political retaliation. Iranian state media condemned it as illegal. No court challenges have yet been reported, and both women remain in federal custody.