Luxury in LA and Alleged Ties to Iran’s Government

Two women living in Los Angeles—relatives of a prominent Iranian military figure killed in a 2020 strike—have been detained by immigration officials after authorities accused them of promoting Iranian government views while enjoying a high-profile lifestyle. Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter Sarinasadat Hosseiny were arrested last week, and their U. S. residency permits were revoked. Officials claim Afshar openly supported Iran’s leadership, praised its military actions, and criticized America, all while posting pictures of designer clothes, luxury cars, and glamorous outings on social media. The case raises questions about how people with alleged ties to foreign governments live comfortably in the U. S. while publicly backing regimes criticized for human rights abuses. Afshar’s social media posts, now mostly hidden, showed her in expensive outfits, riding in a Hummer, and posing in short dresses—images that clash with Iran’s strict dress codes for women. Critics online mocked the contrast, pointing out that while she criticized America, she clearly enjoyed freedoms unavailable in Iran.

Afshar’s family connection to General Qasem Soleimani, a top Iranian military leader killed in a U. S. airstrike, has been disputed by some Iranian media, which calls the claim false. But U. S. officials say she traveled to Iran multiple times after claiming asylum, which could weaken her case for staying in America. Authorities argue her trips contradict her need for protection from Iran’s government. Some locals who knew Afshar before her arrest say they always suspected her loyalty lay with Iran, not the U. S. One man who met her through a mutual friend said she once showed him photos with high-ranking Iranian military officials, calling one of them her uncle. He also claimed she called him for advice after the FBI contacted her about her background. The situation highlights how immigration rules can be challenged when people accused of supporting foreign adversaries live visibly in America. Authorities say Afshar used her time in the U. S. to promote Iranian propaganda, celebrate attacks on American troops, and call the U. S. the "Great Satan"—all while living a lifestyle that many would consider out of place for someone backing such views.

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