Iranian Military Veteran Arrested in Alabama Amid Heightened Fears of Sleeper Cells Following U.S.-Iran Tensions
By Staff Writer | July 8, 2025 | Washington, D.C.
Federal authorities have arrested Ribvar Karimi, an Iranian national and former soldier in Iran’s military, raising urgent national security concerns as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate. The arrest in Locust, Alabama, comes just days after Tehran vowed retaliation in response to coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Karimi, who served four years in the Iranian Army, entered the United States on a K-1 visa—typically reserved for fiancés of American citizens. Officials from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) revealed that Karimi failed to adjust his immigration status, violating visa conditions and making him deportable. Agents also discovered an ID linking him to Iran’s military forces.
Heightened Alert Despite Ceasefire Announcement
Though President Donald Trump has since announced a ceasefire with Iran, homeland security and counterterrorism agencies remain on high alert. Experts warn that Iran-affiliated operatives could seek revenge through domestic attacks.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the urgency of proactive measures. “Under Secretary Noem, we are working relentlessly to identify and detain known or suspected extremists—particularly those who slipped through during the prior administration,” McLaughlin said. “Our mission is to act before threats materialize.”
Multi-State Sweep Targets Extremist Networks
Karimi’s arrest was part of a sweeping operation across eight states, also resulting in the detention of Mehran Makari Sahel in St. Paul, Minnesota. Sahel, a former member of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reportedly admitted to ties with Hezbollah during interrogation. While neither suspect is confirmed to have planned imminent attacks, both remain in federal custody as investigations continue.
The crackdown focused heavily on “sanctuary” jurisdictions—areas historically resistant to federal immigration cooperation.
Sleeper Cell Worries Amplify in Florida
Alarm over potential sleeper cells intensified when Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) disclosed that Florida authorities recently intercepted a boat carrying Iranian nationals attempting to clandestinely land on the state’s coast. The exact number of passengers remains undisclosed.
“This isn’t conspiracy—it’s a tangible national security threat,” Luna asserted. “The timing is simply too suspicious to ignore.”
DHS Issues Warnings Amid Rising Threats
In the wake of the arrests and growing fears of Iranian reprisal, DHS issued a bulletin warning of possible violent extremist acts on U.S. soil. The advisory also highlighted threats of cyberattacks and a surge in antisemitic hate crimes.
“The ongoing Israel-Iran conflict elevates risks to our homeland,” the DHS statement read. “Our duty is to keep the American people informed and protected during these volatile times.”
The agency reiterated its commitment to preemptive threat detection, focusing particularly on individuals who exploited immigration loopholes to enter the country.