Suspected Iranian Terrorism Contacts Among Arrested Migrants

Over the weekend, authorities detained eleven Iranian nationals suspected of having ties to terrorist organizations and involved in illegal migration across several states. Among those apprehended was a former member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and known on terror watchlists.

One of the detainees, Mehran Makari Sahel, a 56-year-old Iranian involved in firearms possession, had previously been sentenced to prison in Minneapolis and was ordered deported last year but remained in the country. Sahel admitted to connections with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed terrorist group.

Another individual, Yousef Mehridehno, an Iranian on a terror watchlist, was found to have lied on a visa application after living illegally in the U.S. for eight years. He entered the country on a visa intended for engaged immigrants but failed to adjust his status as required, making him an illegal resident.

Additionally, Ribvar Karmi, arrested in Alabama, was found to possess an Iranian military ID indicating he served as a sniper from 2018 to 2021.

Authorities disclosed that some of the migrants had prior criminal convictions, including drug and firearm offenses. The arrests came amid heightened concerns about potential sleeper cells operating in the U.S., especially following recent military strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Homeland Security officials warned border agents to stay vigilant for signs of terrorist activities, emphasizing the importance of thorough vetting processes for migrants with possible terrorism connections. They highlighted an increase in illegally entered Iranian nationals, citing ongoing threats from sleeper cells and sympathizers.

Despite ongoing efforts, officials acknowledged the persistent threat posed by these individuals and urged law enforcement personnel to remain alert both on and off duty to prevent any terror-related incidents.