US authorities have detained two relatives of late Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani after their permanent residency status was revoked.

The action was confirmed by the US State Department, which stated that federal agents carried out the arrests following the termination of their legal right to live in the country.

The individuals arrested are Soleimani’s niece, Hamideh Soleimani Afshar, and her daughter. According to officials, both are currently in the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), though their exact location has not been disclosed.

The US government said the decision was based on concerns about their public support for the Iranian government. Officials pointed to social media activity and public statements in which Soleimani Afshar reportedly expressed support for Iran’s leadership and used language critical of the United States.

In addition to these arrests, the US also revoked the residency status of other relatives connected to Iranian officials and barred them from entering the country.

Authorities stated that these actions are part of broader efforts to prevent individuals seen as supporting hostile foreign regimes from residing in the United States.