ICE Arrests 11 Iranian Nationals, Including Suspected Terrorist, Amid Heightened Threat Alert

Targeted Operations Against Illegal Immigration

• 🎯 Federal agents from ICE conducted a series of targeted operations across nine cities in eight states, arresting 11 Iranian nationals within 48 hours.
• ⚠️ The crackdown is part of a broader effort against illegal immigration, with officials highlighting the swift tempo of these arrests.

Individuals of Concern Apprehended

• terror One man arrested was on the NCTC's list of known or suspected terrorists.
• 🇮🇷 Another individual, identified as a former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), allegedly has connections to Hezbollah, a designated foreign terrorist organization.
• 🗓️ This former IRGC member had been living illegally in the US for eight years and reportedly lied on a visa application.
• 🎖️ Among those apprehended, one individual allegedly served as an Iranian sniper between 2018 and 2021, with an Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card found on his person.
• criminal Five of the 11 arrested individuals had previous criminal convictions, including drug and firearm possessions, and grand larceny.

Heightened Threat Environment and Warnings

• 🚨 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has alerted the public to a "heightened threat environment" in the United States.
• ⚡ DHS activated its national terrorism advisory system just hours after attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
• 🏠 Intelligence officials are concerned about homegrown violent extremism, potentially inspired by overseas events.
• 🚫 While officials have not linked these specific individuals to credible terrorism plots in the US, they are accused of criminal violations beyond illegal entry and are considered a threat to public safety.