U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has announced the arrest of 11 Iranian nationals illegally present in the United States over the past weekend, including an individual alleged to be a former sniper for the Iranian Army. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that these arrests underscore its commitment to removing known or suspected terrorists from American communities.
Among those detained is Ribvar Karimi, who was arrested in Locust, Alabama, on June 22. Karimi reportedly served as an Iranian Army sniper from 2018 to 2021 and was found in possession of an Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card at the time of his arrest.
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He entered the U.S. in October 2024 on a K-1 visa, designated for individuals engaged to be married to American citizens, but failed to adjust his immigration status as legally required, rendering him removable from the United States. He remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.
“Under Secretary Noem, DHS has been full throttle on identifying and arresting known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists that illegally entered this country, came in through Biden’s fraudulent parole programs or otherwise,” stated DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “We have been saying we are getting the worst of the worst out—and we are. We don’t wait until a military operation to execute; we proactively deliver on President Trump’s mandate to secure the homeland.”
In addition to the 11 Iranian nationals, ICE also arrested a U.S. citizen who allegedly threatened to kill ICE law enforcement officers while harboring an illegal alien from Iran.
This weekend’s arrests are part of a broader DHS initiative to enhance national security by targeting individuals who pose a potential threat or are in violation of immigration laws.
READ: ICE Arrests 11 Iranian Nationals Amid Heightened U.S. Terror Threat
The Department of Homeland Security emphasized that these arrests reflect an ongoing effort to proactively address potential security risks within the country. All apprehended individuals are currently in ICE custody and are awaiting removal proceedings.
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