US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says immigration authorities have detained two women allegedly linked to Qassem Soleimani, the former commander of Iran’s Quds Force.
Rubio said the individuals, identified as Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter, were lawful permanent residents in the United States.
He added that their legal status has been revoked and they are currently in the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, awaiting deportation.
Rubio claimed the two were supporters of the Iranian government.
In response, Zeinab Soleimani, daughter of Qassem Soleimani, denied any connection between the detainees and her family, calling the claim “false.”
Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad in 2020.