As tensions escalate between the United States and Iran, federal authorities have uncovered a serious security threat right here at home. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced the arrest of 11 Iranian nationals, including individuals with suspected ties to terrorist organizations — and one who is a trained military sniper.
Among those detained is Ribvar Karmi, who was taken into custody in Alabama. According to ICE, Karmi was carrying identification linking him to the Islamic Republic of Iran Army, where he served as a sniper between 2018 and 2021. Officials say he entered the U.S. in 2024 on a marriage visa. His background is especially concerning given ongoing threats from Tehran and reports of plots targeting American officials, including President Donald Trump and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo following the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in 2020.
Another arrest that raised alarms is that of Mehran Makari Saheli, a former member of Iran’s armed forces with alleged links to Hezbollah. Saheli also has a prior firearms conviction — a troubling detail that underscores the risks posed by individuals with these backgrounds living inside the U.S.
Experts have long warned that hostile actors could exploit weaknesses in America’s immigration system. These arrests highlight just how dangerous that can be — and how vital it is for the government to remain vigilant in keeping known threats out of the country.
“Our top priority is to protect the nation and keep Americans safe, particularly in times of heightened conflict,” said Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
ICE says investigations are ongoing, and authorities are working to determine whether additional individuals connected to terror organizations may have entered the U.S. using similar tactics.
To see more about these arrests — and to learn about other men with ties to Islamic terror who were captured — watch the video here:
? Since Sunday, @ICEgov has arrested 11 Iranian nationals in the U.S. illegally across eight states — including a former sniper in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. pic.twitter.com/mrwlpn0xzC
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 24, 2025