US detains family members of Iran's commander Soleimani in sweeping move
US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
US authorities have detained the niece and grandniece of slain Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani after revoking their green cards, Reuters reports.
Detention details, decision reasons
According to the report, US federal agents detained Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter after Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked their lawful permanent resident status.
Both women are currently being held by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The State Department said Afshar supports the Iranian government and participates in its propaganda. It also noted that her husband has been officially barred from entering the United States.
"Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter are now in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement," the department said in a statement.
Tightening migration policy
The detention comes in the sixth week of the US-Israeli war against Iran.
During his second term, President Donald Trump has intensified deportations of immigrants considered a threat to national security.
Earlier this month, the United States also revoked the legal status of Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, the daughter of Iranian politician Ali Larijani, and her husband. They have already left the United States and are banned from returning.
Trump's hardline policy
The Trump administration is actively implementing a range of measures to combat illegal immigration. Plans include building seven large detention centers capable of holding up to 80,000 migrants.
The US president has also announced preparations for new restrictions that would expand the list of countries whose citizens are banned from entering the United States.
At the same time, US authorities are seeking to encourage voluntary departures. Migrants are being offered $3,000 in financial assistance if they agree to leave the country on their own by the end of the year.
