ICE arrests 16 Iranian nationals, including individuals with criminal records and suspected terrorist ties, following U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites amid sleeper cell concerns.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested at least 16 Iranian nationals this week across multiple states, in a sweeping operation targeting individuals with criminal records or suspected links to extremist activity. The arrests come days after a U.S. airstrike targeted Iranian nuclear weapons facilities, further escalating concerns about potential retaliation and domestic sleeper cell threats.
According to a senior Department of Homeland Security official, four of those arrested were previously convicted of serious drug offenses, including cocaine trafficking. Others remain under investigation for possible connections to foreign terrorist organizations or hostile intelligence activities.
“This is a proactive step to protect national security in the wake of heightened tensions with the Iranian regime,” the official told reporters under condition of anonymity.
ICE confirmed that all 16 individuals are Iranian nationals, and that several were already flagged for immigration violations or previous interactions with law enforcement. The agency did not disclose the locations of the arrests but stated that operations were conducted in coordination with the FBI, DHS, and local law enforcement.
National Security Fears After U.S.-Iran Tensions Flare
The arrests follow the U.S. military’s recent targeted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, described by the Pentagon as a “preventive measure” against Tehran’s alleged acceleration of uranium enrichment beyond acceptable thresholds. While Iran responded with a limited missile attack against U.S. assets in the region an action widely seen as calibrated to avoid full-scale war—intelligence officials continue to warn about covert threats inside the U.S.
“Sleeper cells don’t announce themselves. The only time we know they’re here is when it’s too late,” said a former CIA counterterrorism analyst. “These arrests might just be the tip of the iceberg.”
Multiple federal agencies have reportedly been monitoring potential Iranian-linked operatives inside the United States since early 2024, following a surge in cyberattacks and suspected influence campaigns targeting American infrastructure and democratic institutions.
ICE’s Broader Mandate in Counterterrorism
While ICE is typically associated with immigration enforcement, its Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) division plays a significant role in counterterrorism and transnational crime prevention. This week’s operation highlights ICE’s expanding efforts to identify individuals with both immigration violations and security flags in the intelligence community.
Critics of the agency, however, warn against sweeping arrests without due process. Civil liberties groups have demanded transparency, calling for independent oversight into how suspects are profiled and detained.
Geopolitical Fallout and What’s Next
While Washington insists it is not seeking escalation with Iran, the arrests underscore the growing domestic ripple effects of the conflict. Homeland Security has issued a nationwide alert urging vigilance at airports, government buildings, and critical infrastructure hubs.
The Iranian government has not yet commented on the arrests. Tehran has previously denied operating sleeper cells or espionage networks in the U.S., accusing Washington of using “fabricated threats” to justify aggressive foreign and domestic policies.
As ICE continues its investigations, officials say more arrests could follow in the coming days.
