In the wake of recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested multiple Iranian nationals suspected of being part of potential sleeper cells operating inside the United States. The arrests come amid heightened concerns over possible retaliation and internal threats following escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
ICE agents, working in coordination with other federal agencies, conducted operations across several states including Texas, New York, California, and Minnesota. Authorities detained at least 11 individuals of Iranian origin. Some of the arrested individuals were already on watchlists due to past criminal convictions, immigration violations, or suspected affiliations with extremist organizations.
One of the individuals taken into custody is reported to have ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an organization the U.S. has designated as a terrorist group. Another was previously convicted of firearms offenses and had entered the U.S. illegally. Several others had immigration issues or were flagged for further investigation due to suspicious activity or inconsistent documentation.
Officials have emphasized that while no direct evidence of an active terror plot has been uncovered, the arrests were made in response to credible intelligence suggesting that Iranian operatives might attempt to retaliate against the United States from within its borders. The term “sleeper cell” is being used to describe individuals who may be positioned to act under specific instructions in the event of conflict escalation.
DHS officials have said the operations were part of broader efforts to prevent domestic threats and ensure national security following the strikes on Iran. These airstrikes, which targeted Iranian nuclear research and missile development facilities, have drawn sharp condemnation from Tehran and raised global tensions. Iranian officials have vowed a response, and U.S. agencies are on high alert for cyberattacks, proxy actions overseas, and possible threats on American soil.
ICE has been criticized in the past for aggressive immigration enforcement, but supporters of the recent arrests argue that national security must take precedence. Republican lawmakers praised the actions, calling them a “necessary step” to protect the American people, while some civil liberties advocates cautioned against racial profiling and sweeping characterizations without full evidence.
As investigations continue, federal agencies have pledged to work together to assess whether the individuals arrested posed an imminent threat or were part of a broader coordinated effort. Some of the individuals will face deportation proceedings, while others may be held under national security-related charges if further links to terrorist activity are confirmed.
The situation remains fluid, and federal officials have not ruled out additional arrests. The U.S. government continues to monitor potential threats while urging the public to remain vigilant but calm. For now, the arrests have intensified the spotlight on border security, counterterrorism operations, and the delicate balance between safety and civil rights during times of geopolitical conflict.
