Trump’s ICE busts 11 illegal Iranian nationals: Terror suspect, ex-sniper, and another with Hezbollah ties



Following the United States' weekend strike on Iranian nuclear enrichment sites, the Trump administration's Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the arrest of nearly a dozen Iranian nationals who are illegally in the country.

The former Biden administration's open-border policies have sparked concerns that potential terrorists and other threat actors have flooded into the U.S. undetected, raising the risk of the formation of sleeper cells.

'We don't wait until a military operation to execute; we proactively deliver on President Trump's mandate to secure the homeland.'

ICE's arrests, which took place over the weekend, included a suspected terrorist, an individual with admitted ties to Hezbollah, and an alleged former Iranian Army sniper, according to a Tuesday press release from ICE.

The Department of Homeland Security stated that the arrests reflect the agency's "commitment to keeping known and suspected terrorists out of American communities."

Immigration agents in Mississippi apprehended Yousef Mehridehno. The U.S. government terminated his residency in 2017 after it determined that he made false statements on his original visa application and potentially committed marriage fraud. The federal government in February listed Mehridehno as "a known or suspected terrorist," the press release said.

RELATED: 'They don't know what the f**k they're doing': Trump cusses out Israel, Iran for nearly blowing up his ceasefire

Yousef Mehridehno. Image Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Mehran Makari Saheli, a former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps with admitted connections to Hezbollah, was arrested in Minnesota. He was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and a judge ordered his removal in 2022.

Mehran Makari Saheli. Image Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

ICE Atlanta arrested Ribvar Karimi, who was reportedly carrying his Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card, which noted that he was previously an Iranian Army sniper from 2018 to 2021. ICE determined that he was eligible for removal after he entered the U.S. on a marriage visa in 2024 and allegedly broke federal law by failing to adjust his immigration status.

Ribvar Karimi. Image Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Behzad Sepehrian Bahary Nejad, who was reportedly carrying a loaded firearm when ICE Houston arrested him, entered the country on a student visa in 2016 and was arrested the following year in Texas for allegedly assaulting his wife, impeding her breathing. His wife obtained a restraining order, claiming that he had threatened her and her family in Iran. An immigration judge ordered his removal in October 2019 after his status was terminated due to academic suspension.

Behzad Sepehrian Bahary Nejad. Image Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

ICE Houston also arrested Hamid Reza Bayat, who was convicted of drug crimes and driving on a suspended license. An immigration judge previously ordered his removal nearly two decades ago.

Hamid Reza Bayat. Image Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

In Phoenix, Arizona, federal immigration agents apprehended Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand, an illegal alien who received removal orders after he was convicted for threatening a law enforcement office and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Mehrzad Asadi Eidivand. Image Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Agents also arrested Linet Vartaniann, an American citizen, for allegedly harboring Eidivand and threatening to open fire on officers. The agency claimed that Vartaniann stated she would "shoot ICE officers in the head" if they entered her home.

Linet Vartaniann. Image Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

ICE officials in Colorado Springs nabbed Mahmoud Shafiei and Mehrdad Mehdipour, two illegal aliens living together. Shafiei was convicted of drug crimes and previously arrested for alleged assault and child abuse. A judge ordered Shafiei's removal in 1987.

Mahmoud Shafiei. Image Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Mehrdad Mehdipour. Image Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Federal immigration agents in San Francisco apprehended Bahman Alizadeh Asfestani, who has a criminal history, including a conviction for theft and possession of a controlled substance for sale.

RELATED: Trump announces ceasefire between Iran and Israel: 'GOD BLESS THE WORLD!'

Bahman Alizadeh Asfestani. Image Source: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Mohammad Rafikian, who has a lengthy rap sheet, was arrested on Monday by ICE Buffalo. He was previously convicted of grand larceny, schemes to defraud, criminal impersonation, and practicing as an attorney.

Also on Monday, federal agents in San Diego grabbed Arkavan Babk Moirokorli, an illegal alien convicted of forging an official seal.

'Very commonly, such groups are engaging in criminal acts to raise money, promote propaganda, recruit assets, or source technology and equipment.'

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated, "Under Secretary Noem, DHS has been full throttle on identifying and arresting known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists that illegally entered this country, came in through Biden's fraudulent parole programs or otherwise."

"We have been saying we are getting the worst of the worst out — and we are. We don't wait until a military operation to execute; we proactively deliver on President Trump's mandate to secure the homeland," she added.

When Blaze News contacted ICE for comment, it directed us to its press release. The agency would not respond to specific questions about the arrested illegal aliens' potential terrorist cell involvement, whether they had previously been under surveillance, or had known or suspected contact with Iranian officials.

Kyle Shideler, the director and senior analyst for homeland security and counterterrorism at the Center for Security Policy, told Blaze News, "While the term 'sleeper cell' captures the imagination, it's better to think of such cells as 'terrorist infrastructure.'"

"Very commonly, such groups are engaging in criminal acts to raise money, promote propaganda, recruit assets, or source technology and equipment," Shideler continued. "That doesn't mean they may not possess military or terrorist training and the ability to conduct attacks. But it does allow a proactive law enforcement approach, which seeks to find and remove such threats before it becomes truly dangerous. Aggressive immigration enforcement is good counterterrorism."

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ROOKE: Trump Could Suffocate These Riots By Ending Massive Incentive Program For Illegal Immigrants

'Direct financial incentive enticing mass illegal immigration into our country'

Ex-Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Enters Georgia Governor’s Race

'spent his first day in office firing me from a job I didn’t even have'

‘Stop Dunking on Defenseless Girls’: Billboards Outside Masters, Braves Game Blast Jon Ossoff Over Trans Sports Vote

Mobile billboards spotted outside the Masters Tournament and a Braves game this week called on onlookers to tell Sen. Jon Ossoff (D., Ga.) to "STOP DUNKING on Defenseless Girls."

The post ‘Stop Dunking on Defenseless Girls’: Billboards Outside Masters, Braves Game Blast Jon Ossoff Over Trans Sports Vote appeared first on .

Raphael Warnock Lives Free in $1 Million Luxury Home—Purchased by His Church

The lavish Atlanta home where Sen. Raphael Warnock (D., Ga.) resides brims with luxury details: Marketed as a "one of one custom home that effortlessly merges history & luxury," the five-bedroom home, built in 2022, went on the market for over a million dollars later that year and sold quickly—not to Warnock, but to Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he still serves as part-time senior pastor when he's not representing the state of Georgia in Congress.

The post Raphael Warnock Lives Free in $1 Million Luxury Home—Purchased by His Church appeared first on .

Crooks caught on video punching, pistol-whipping man in broad daylight near crowded park. Again, bystanders don't do a thing.



Two males were caught on video punching and pistol-whipping a victim in broad daylight Sunday afternoon near Atlanta's Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark, WAGA-TV reported.

Once again, bystanders failed to intervene.

'It's, like, where's the human decency, you know?'

Blaze News on Wednesday reported about an incident in Houston during which people were caught on video simply watching while three males beat up a victim who later died.

As for Sunday's 4:30 p.m. attack in Atlanta, police posted cellphone video of the beatdown on Instagram in the hopes that viewers will recognize the suspects.

The clip shows the attack taking place next to a walkway. The victim is on his back and side on grass and covering up while two males stand over him and repeatedly punch him; one of the suspects pistol-whips the victim and appears to take a gun from him. It appears a third individual uses a foot to hold the victim's shoulder down.

Just a short distance away from the violence, the video shows large groups of people — kids and adults — gathered under the sunshine at picnic tables and a large grassy area. Indeed, WAGA said the location is "typically filled with families."

Bizarrely, while the attack is still in progress just inches away, an apparent bystander is seen taking the time to stand a bicycle on its wheels against a pole; he then walks away.

Police said they met with the male victim, who suffered cuts to his head and face and seemed disoriented. Police said he was treated at the scene by EMS personnel.

Police said during the incident, a firearm one of the suspects was holding apparently discharged, but the victim wasn't shot.

Police said both male suspects fled the scene on foot, and robbery investigators are actively investigating the incident.

Police said those with information about the incident can submit tips anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSGA and the tip to CRIMES (738477). Police said those who come forward don't have to give their names or any identifying information to be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.

People at park react to attack

WAGA spoke with people at the park in the days following the attack.

"It's like, where's the human decency, you know?" one woman told the station.

"Honestly, it's crazy to think because there are so many people walking around that you wouldn't think that something like that would happen here," Dove Aldaz added to WAGA.

Brian Parrales — who was walking his dogs — added to the station that because the beatdown happened in broad daylight, it "makes it feel less safe" in the area.

But WAGA said Parrales protects himself: "I carry whenever I feel like I need to, and then I have my pups. So I'm usually fine."

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7 gang members arrested in connection with fatal shooting of 2 13-year-old boys — one of whom was celebrating his birthday



Atlanta police on Wednesday said they arrested seven gang members in connection with last summer's fatal shooting of two 13-year-old boys — one of whom was celebrating his birthday at the time.

The arrestees are members of the violent Goodfellas gang, WAGA-TV reported.

'The overall theme in this case is grown men playing gangster.'

The suspects were identified as Ali Caldwell, Dekeitheon Mobley, Markus Crawford, Tradon Crawford, Quiyontay Sanders, Reginald Thomas, and Richard Hollis, the station said, adding that Markus Crawford and Tradon Crawford are brothers.

From left: Ali Caldwell, Dekeitheon Mobley, Markus Crawford, Tradon CrawfordImage source: Atlanta Police Department, composite

From left: Quiyontay Sanders, Reginald Thomas, Richard HollisImage source: Atlanta Police Department, composite

The shooting took place just after 12:30 a.m. July 2, 2024, in the 1000 block of Sparks Street SW, police said. Officers found three juvenile males with gunshot wounds, police said, adding that emergency medical services pronounced one dead at the scene while another later died at a hospital, and a third was listed in stable condition at a hospital.

Ja'Kody Davis and Lamon Freeman were identified as the youths who were fatally shot; 11-year-old Dontavious Davis was wounded, WAGA said.

The three boys were gathered to celebrate Freeman's birthday at the time of the shooting, the station said.

"The overall theme in this case is grown men playing gangster," Atlanta Police Homicide Commander Ralph Woolfolk said, according to WAGA. "Lamon Freeman was allowed to be a 13-year-old for 27 minutes before gang violence ultimately took his life."

Police said the attack was in retaliation over an Atlanta-based rapper entering a rival gang’s territory to film a music video, the station reported, adding that authorities said a high-ranking member of the Goodfellas gang actually orchestrated the attacks while behind bars at Hays State Prison.

Following instructions, the suspects opened fire on an apartment complex where the boys were shot, WAGA said. The young victims had no connection to the gangs involved in the turf dispute, police added to the station.

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said Wednesday that the arrested males are "dangerous individuals," who "if allowed to remain free on the streets of Atlanta ... were going to use guns again to harm," the station said.

Police said they know the identity of the rapper in question but didn't reveal the rapper's name during the press conference or the name of the other gang involved in the dispute, the station said. Police did call the rapper's actions "cowardly," WAGA said.

You can view a video report here about the arrests and fatal shootings.

There is still a $50,000 reward for additional information about the case, the station said, adding that those with information can submit tips anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSA and the tip to CRIMES (274637). WAGA added that tips also can be submitted directly to the Atlanta Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 404-546-4235.

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Insane brawl in Atlanta airport caught on video — and clip goes viral. No reported arrests.



A brawl inside Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport was caught on video — and clip has gone viral.

You can view cellphone videos of the violence here and here; a news station report also used video of the melee. While the clips appear to show about 10 young people, mostly males, trading kicks, punches, and shoves, a couple of females got involved as well, with one standing atop a row of chairs and delivering kicks.

'Why behave this way?'

As of Monday afternoon, the longest of the two X clips has garnered 2.4 million views since it was posted three days before.

WAGA-TV reported that the violence took place Wednesday at what appeared to be a Spirit Airlines boarding gate.

Atlanta police told WAGA they responded to reports of a large disturbance at the airport, but the combatants dispersed by the time they got to the gate. The station added that it's not clear what prompted the fight or if any of those involved are facing consequences.

WAGA said it reached out to a spokesperson for the airport as well as for Spirit Airlines but was still waiting to hear back from both.

TMZ said it has "seen a few fights" at the Atlanta airport, "but this is by far the largest one to date."

A male who either was recording video of the brawl or standing next to a cellphone camera operator is heard saying, “All I know is that if y’all touch me, I’m knocking the s**t outta of everybody. ... Embarrassing."

Other observers on X were equally disgusted.

  • One commenter suggested a "lifetime no-fly list on all airlines" punishment for brawl participants.
  • "Why behave this way?" another X user wondered.
  • Another commenter asked, "How are there so many TSA agents at airports yet response time to stuff like this is embarrassingly slow ... @DOGE@elonmusk please can we audit TSA next? No one knows how they work, they wield too much power, and they tend to be largely unprofessional."

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Video: Thug attacks elderly church member sweeping in front of neighborhood house of worship, steals his wallet



Surveillance video caught the moment a male physically attacked and stole the wallet of an elderly church member who was sweeping in front of the neighborhood house of worship in Atlanta over the weekend.

The robbery took place in front of River of Life Christian Center on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SW before 5:30 p.m. Saturday, WSB-TV reported, citing Atlanta police. The church is located in the Adamsville neighborhood, the station said.

'I feel for the deacon. I’m so sad it happened.'

The 79-year-old church member said an individual walked up to him, demanded his wallet, pushed him down, reached into his pocket, and took his wallet, WSB said, citing the police report.

Investigators shared a video that shows an individual pushing the victim to the ground, and the force of the shove and fall knocks off the victim's shoes and glasses, the station said.

You can view a video report here about the incident, which includes clips of the attack and images of the attacker's face.

Police told WSB the victim suffered multiple cuts and bruises as a result of the attack.

“I feel for the deacon,” nearby ice cream shop owner Janay Boucan told the station in a subsequent interview. “I’m so sad it happened.”

WSB said surveillance video of the attack shows six cars passing by — and one of the drivers stopped to contact police.

What's more, the station said the attack happened in a busy section of the neighborhood — right next to the Adamsville Library, just feet from the Old Adamsville Emergency Shelter, and adjacent to Boucan’s ice cream shop.

“I would literally be right here on the sidewalk with my sign telling people to come to the ice cream shop, telling people to come get some ice cream on a beautiful warm day,” Boucan noted to WSB.

Boucan's surveillance video shows an individual walking past two of her customers and then walking around to the front of the church where the assault took place, the station said.

WSB said the area is blanketed with camera coverage, and families in the neighborhood hope those videos can lead to the suspect's capture and the restoration of some peace of mind.

“I’ll be on the lookout, telling other people to look out for it as well,” Boucan noted to the station.

Those with information about this case can submit tips anonymously to the Crime Stoppers Atlanta tip line at 404-577-TIPS (8477), online at www.StopCrimeAtl.org, or by texting CSGA and the tip to CRIMES (738477), WSB said, adding that tipsters are eligible for a reward of up to $2,000 for the arrest and indictment of the suspect.

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2025 National Championship is the most expensive ever — ticket prices jump almost 250% in just 2 years



The 2025 college football National Championship is breaking records for ticket prices and far surpassing the average cost of any recent years.

The Ohio State Buckeyes will play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish tonight at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and attendees will be forced to pay 36% more than last year on average.

The difference in average ticket price, $2,637 in 2025 versus $1,934 in 2024 (per Front Office Sports), pales in comparison to the prices from just 2023 when the average price was $1,072 for Georgia versus TCU. That's a 246% increase in just two years.

Reporter Brett McMurphy added more insight and stated that the "get-in price" for the game was up to a whopping $2,185 over the weekend, with resale tickets going for an average of $4,593. At the time of this writing, resales on TicketMaster are listed as high as $9,000.

These prices are even a stark increase from the semifinal games, with a 29% increase on average since the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl.

— (@)

'Indiana represents just 4.3% of tickets purchased.'

The hype for the National Championship far surpasses any game in the inaugural College Football Playoff; the highest average purchase price was just $790 for Notre Dame vs. Indiana in the first round in December.

The lowest average price was for Arizona State vs. Texas for the Peach Bowl, which cost just $175 on average to attend. These prices, of course, are nowhere near an average NCAA football game during the regular season, as prices vary across widely different market sizes.

For example, BYU vs. Colorado was $205 per ticket on average, while Pittsburgh vs. Toledo was the lowest average ticket price at just $10. Both of these games took place in late December.

Atlanta will see ticket buyers from all across the country, with fans from Texas most represented in the stadium at 17%. Nearly 15% of fans are from New Jersey, and another 10.6% of tickets were sold to fans from Ohio.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame's home state of Indiana represents just 4.3% of tickets purchased.

While TicketSmarter revealed that premium lower seats come with a whopping $7,650 price tag at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the most expensive ticket price for the National Championship was a reported $23,648. A luxury suite, however, has been reported at an insane $161,865.

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