US Authorities Detain Niece of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in Los Angeles

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of the late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, has been detained by US authorities in Los Angeles. Along with her daughter, her green card was revoked due to alleged connections with the Iranian government. This incident follows previous legal troubles, including a restraining order obtained by a local hairdresser who accused her of harassment. The arrest has raised questions about her support for Iran's leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, designated as a terrorist organization by the US. The circumstances surrounding her detention and the implications for her future remain significant.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 6, 2026, 02:44 IST

Detention of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, the niece of the late Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, has been apprehended by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Los Angeles. The 47-year-old was taken into custody on Friday at her home in the Tujunga area. Alongside her, her 25-year-old daughter, Sarinasadat Hosseiny, was also detained after their green cards were revoked due to alleged connections with the Iranian government, as reported by a local news outlet.

Background of the Arrest

Prior to her arrest, Afshar had encountered legal issues. A local hairdresser, Zare Mandani, obtained a five-year restraining order against her in 2024, citing harassment. He claimed she persistently contacted him at both his home and workplace, ignoring his requests to cease communication. Mandani expressed relief at her arrest, stating, “Thank God she’s been arrested and is going to be deported.” He described her as a stalker and noted that their relationship had been mischaracterized as dating, asserting they were merely friends. Court documents detailed allegations of unwanted calls, emotional distress, workplace interference, and threats of self-harm.

The restraining order was issued before federal authorities intervened. A witness reported that multiple vehicles from the Los Angeles Police Department and ICE were present during the operation, creating a tense atmosphere as officers escorted Afshar and her daughter away.

Revocation of Green Cards

Afshar initially entered the US in 2015 on a tourist visa, later receiving asylum in 2019 and becoming a green card holder in 2021. Her daughter arrived in 2021 on a student visa and obtained permanent residency in 2023. According to the US Department of State, Afshar had expressed support for Iran’s leadership and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which is classified as a terrorist organization by the US. Reports indicated that she had praised attacks on US forces and used derogatory language towards the country.

At the time of her arrest, Afshar resided in a small unit behind a main house in Tujunga, approximately 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Her living space contained items reflecting a lifestyle centered on fashion and social media, and she owned a black Tesla filled with luxury goods and personal belongings.