Immigration and Customs Enforcement has initiated a major crackdown targeting 6,000 Iranian migrants with illegal status in the United States, including nearly 1,300 with criminal convictions and 2,970 facing final deportation orders.
Key Takeaways
- ICE records show approximately 6,000 Iranian nationals may soon face arrest for immigration violations, with nearly 1,300 having criminal convictions.
- About 2,970 Iranians currently have final orders of removal, while others remain in the legal process awaiting decisions.
- During the Biden administration, approximately 1,500 Iranian nationals were detained after illegally crossing the border, with nearly half subsequently released into the U.S. interior.
- ICE has arrested over 100 Iranian nationals as of June 26, with 670 currently held in detention facilities.
- Recent high-profile arrests, including an elderly woman who overstayed a 1970s student visa, indicate ICE is intensifying its enforcement operations against Iranian migrants.
ICE Steps Up Enforcement Against Iranian Migrants
Immigration and Customs Enforcement has intensified operations targeting Iranian nationals who have violated U.S. immigration laws. According to recent reports, nearly 6,000 Iranian citizens are on ICE’s non-detained docket and could soon face arrest. These individuals primarily entered the United States legally but subsequently violated the terms of their visas or other entry conditions. The enforcement action represents a significant shift in prioritizing national security concerns and immigration law enforcement under President Trump’s administration.
Of particular concern are the nearly 1,300 Iranian nationals with criminal convictions who remain in the United States. An additional 2,970 have already received final orders of removal but have not yet been deported. The remaining individuals are at various stages of the immigration court process, awaiting final determinations on their status. This large-scale enforcement effort highlights the administration’s focus on addressing potential security risks associated with individuals from countries with adversarial relationships with the United States.
Border Crossings and National Security Concerns
During the previous administration, Border Patrol apprehended approximately 1,500 Iranian nationals who entered the country illegally. Almost half of these individuals were subsequently released into the U.S. interior under various supervision programs. This practice raised significant security concerns, particularly given Iran’s historical antagonism toward the United States and its documented support for terrorist activities worldwide. The current enforcement action appears designed to address these potential vulnerabilities by ensuring those without legal status are processed for removal.
The non-detained docket includes individuals who may have entered legally on visas but violated their terms, as well as those who were apprehended at the border but released pending immigration proceedings. Some individuals on this list are currently serving sentences in federal or state prisons, with immigration detainers placed to ensure ICE is notified upon their release. The comprehensive approach demonstrates the administration’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws while prioritizing potential national security threats.
Recent Arrests Signal Intensified Enforcement
Recent enforcement actions provide clear evidence of ICE’s renewed focus on removing Iranian nationals without legal status. As of June 26, more than 100 Iranian nationals illegally present in the United States have been arrested by ICE, with 670 currently held in detention facilities. These arrests span multiple states and include individuals who have been living in the U.S. for decades. The operation demonstrates a systematic approach to addressing immigration violations regardless of how long an individual has avoided enforcement.
One notable case involves Mandonna Kashanian, who was recently arrested in New Orleans. Kashanian reportedly entered the United States legally on a student visa in the 1970s but remained in the country long after her visa expired. Despite being granted a temporary stay of removal, she now faces potential deportation to a third country. Her case illustrates ICE’s determination to enforce immigration laws even in cases involving long-term residents who have established lives in the United States over decades.
Ongoing Enforcement and Alternative Detention
While the enforcement operation continues, ICE is utilizing various tools to manage the non-detained population. The Alternatives to Detention (ATD) program allows some individuals to remain free while their removal proceedings are ongoing, subject to monitoring requirements. These alternatives include electronic monitoring, regular check-ins, and other supervision methods designed to ensure compliance with immigration proceedings while conserving detention resources for higher-risk individuals.
The enforcement operation against Iranian nationals represents part of a broader effort to restore integrity to the immigration system while addressing potential national security concerns. With thousands of individuals potentially subject to arrest and removal, the operation is likely to continue for some time. Border security experts, including Randy Clark, a 32-year veteran of the U.S. Border Patrol, have provided insights indicating that this enforcement action reflects a significant policy shift prioritizing both immigration enforcement and national security considerations under the current administration.
