The development has sparked political and security debates, particularly due to her alleged links to pro-Iranian regime narratives.

Background: Family Ties to Qasem Soleimani

Hamideh Soleimani Afshar is closely related to Qasem Soleimani, the former head of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2020. Soleimani remains a highly polarising figure globally-viewed as a national hero in Iran and a terrorist leader by the United States.

Afshar's daughter, whose identity has not been widely disclosed in public reports, is also directly linked to the same family lineage, making her the grand-niece of Soleimani.

Arrest in the United States

According to official statements, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter were taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after their lawful permanent resident (LPR) status was revoked.

The decision was reportedly authorised by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, citing national security concerns.

Both individuals are currently being held pending further immigration and legal proceedings.

Allegations Against Hamideh Soleimani Afshar

U.S. authorities have accused Afshar of actively supporting the Iranian regime while residing in the United States. Key allegations include:

Afshar allegedly promoted Iranian state propaganda through social media platforms.
She is accused of praising attacks against U.S. military personnel and installations in the Middle East.
Authorities claim she openly supported Iran's leadership and referred to the United States as the "Great Satan."
She also reportedly expressed strong backing for the IRGC, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organisation.

Officials further pointed out that these activities were conducted while she was living a high-end lifestyle in Los Angeles, which added to the controversy surrounding her case.