Luxury in LA and Alleged Ties to Iran’s Government
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Two Iranian-Americans Detained in Los Angeles for Allegedly Promoting Tehran’s Views While Living Lavishly
LOS ANGELES — Two women with ties to a slain Iranian military commander have been arrested by U.S. immigration officials, accused of publicly endorsing Iran’s government while enjoying a high-profile lifestyle—complete with designer fashion, luxury vehicles, and glamorous social outings.
Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter Sarinasadat Hosseiny were taken into custody last week, their U.S. residency permits revoked after authorities alleged they promoted Iranian state narratives and criticized America. Investigators claim Afshar’s social media posts—now mostly deleted—featured her in expensive attire, riding in a Hummer, and posing in short dresses, starkly contrasting with Iran’s strict dress codes for women.
Critics have pointed out the irony: while Afshar allegedly criticized the U.S., she clearly benefited from freedoms unavailable in Iran.
A Family Link to a Slain Iranian Commander
The case revolves around Afshar’s alleged connection to General Qasem Soleimani, the Iranian military leader killed in a 2020 U.S. airstrike. However, some Iranian media outlets have disputed this claim, calling it false.
U.S. officials counter that Afshar traveled to Iran multiple times after seeking asylum, allegedly weakening her case for remaining in the country. Authorities argue these trips suggest she did not fear persecution from Tehran—a key requirement for asylum.
Suspicious Encounters and Alleged Propaganda
A man who met Afshar through a mutual friend claimed she once showed him photos with high-ranking Iranian military officials, calling one of them her "uncle." He also alleged she sought his advice after the FBI contacted her about her background.
Investigators say Afshar used her time in the U.S. to promote Iranian propaganda, celebrate attacks on American troops, and even refer to the U.S. as the "Great Satan"—all while living a lifestyle that many find incompatible with such rhetoric.
A Question of Loyalty and Immigration Enforcement
The case raises broader questions about how individuals accused of supporting foreign adversaries navigate U.S. immigration laws. Authorities maintain that Afshar’s actions justified her detention, while critics argue the situation highlights inconsistencies in enforcement.
With Afshar’s social media presence scrubbed and legal proceedings underway, the story continues to unfold—leaving many to wonder: How much of her public persona was performance, and how much was genuine allegiance?
