Key Takeaways
• On June 22, 2025, ICE arrested 11 Iranian nationals across eight states in 48 hours, including Trump supporter Mehran Makari Saheli.
• ICE aims for 3,000 daily arrests, targeting immigrants regardless of criminal history or political beliefs under Trump enforcement policies.
• Operations cause family separations, ICE detention overcrowding, and increased fear among immigrant communities, even for those with legal ties.
On June 22, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents carried out a coordinated operation across eight states, arresting 11 Iranian nationals in just 48 hours. Among those detained was Mehran Makari Saheli, an Iranian immigrant living near St. Paul, Minnesota. According to his wife, Saheli is a Trump supporter who believed in the administration’s promises of law and order. His arrest, along with others, highlights the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration, especially following recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and rising national security concerns.
This news has sent shockwaves through immigrant communities, legal circles, and even among supporters of President Trump. The operation, which swept up individuals with and without criminal records, raises questions about the broad reach of current immigration enforcement and its impact on families, communities, and the legal system.
ICE’s Expanded Operations: What Changed and Why?
The Trump administration has made immigration enforcement one of its top priorities. In early 2025, ICE’s daily arrest target was 660. By June, that number had nearly doubled to 1,200, with a stated goal of 3,000 arrests per day. This sharp increase is part of a broader policy shift that no longer distinguishes between immigrants with criminal records and those whose only offense is a civil immigration violation, such as overstaying a visa or entering the country without proper documents.
Key facts:
– June 22, 2025: Mehran Makari Saheli, an Iranian immigrant and Trump supporter, was arrested at his home in Minnesota.
– June 22–24, 2025: 11 Iranian nationals were arrested in eight states and nine cities.
– Last fiscal year: ICE arrested 68 Iranian nationals, 47 of whom had criminal convictions.
– Current ICE daily arrest target: 3,000.
According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, the new approach means that even immigrants with no criminal history, including those with strong ties to the United States 🇺🇸 or who support the current administration, are at risk of detention and deportation.
The Case of Mehran Makari Saheli: A Trump Supporter Detained
Mehran Makari Saheli’s story stands out because he is not only an Iranian immigrant but also a vocal Trump supporter. His wife has spoken publicly about his support for President Trump, expressing shock and frustration that he was targeted by the very administration he backed. Saheli is reportedly a former member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), but his wife insists he poses no threat and has built a life in the United States 🇺🇸.
His arrest is part of a larger pattern in which ICE’s operations have swept up individuals regardless of their political beliefs, family ties, or lack of criminal history. This has led to growing fear and uncertainty among immigrant communities, including those who believed their support for the administration would protect them.
How ICE Operations Work: Step-by-Step Process
For those unfamiliar with how ICE operates, here’s a simple breakdown of what happens when someone is detained:
- Arrest and Detention: ICE agents conduct arrests based on intelligence, watchlists, or immigration status checks. These can be targeted or part of larger sweeps.
- Processing: Detainees are taken to ICE facilities, where they undergo background checks and interviews. Those with alleged ties to terrorism or criminal records are often prioritized for quick removal.
- Legal Proceedings: Detainees can request a hearing before an immigration judge. However, due to policy changes and court backlogs, access to legal counsel is limited, and hearings can be delayed.
- Appeals and Deportation: Individuals can appeal removal orders, but success rates are low, especially for those without lawyers.
- Family Notification and Support: Families are usually notified after the arrest. They may seek help from legal aid groups or advocacy organizations.
For families trying to locate a detained loved one, the official ICE Detainee Locator is a useful tool.
Policy Changes and Their Real-World Impact
The Trump administration’s new policies have ended programs like CBP One parole, which previously allowed some immigrants to stay in the country legally. Now, many have lost their legal status, even if they are married to U.S. citizens or have children who are U.S. citizens.
Practical effects include:
– Increased detentions of people with no criminal history, including Trump supporters and those with deep roots in the U.S. 🇺🇸
– Family separations, with U.S. citizens or legal residents sometimes detained or deported
– Overcrowding in ICE detention centers due to the surge in arrests
– Heightened fear in immigrant communities, with reports of U.S. citizens being mistakenly detained
– Legal limbo for immigrants whose status was revoked due to policy changes
Legal advocates and critics argue that the broadening definition of “criminal” under Trump-era immigration policy now includes civil violations, which has led to the detention of individuals with no criminal record. This shift has raised concerns about due process and the humanitarian impact on families.
National Security Concerns and Political Context
The recent ICE operation took place shortly after U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) activated its National Terrorism Advisory System, citing heightened national security concerns. According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, “We have been saying we are getting the worst of the worst out — and we are. We proactively deliver on President Trump’s mandate to secure the homeland.”
However, security experts warn that such broad sweeps risk confusing national security threats with civil immigration violations. This can undermine trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, making it harder to gather valuable information about real threats.
Legal and Human Rights Perspectives
Legal scholars point out that the Trump administration’s policies have blurred the line between civil and criminal immigration offenses. This has led to the detention of people with no criminal history and raised questions about fairness and due process.
Advocacy organizations argue that mass detentions are creating a humanitarian crisis. Families are being separated, and individuals are being held in overcrowded, under-resourced facilities. The National Immigration Justice Center and other groups are calling for more oversight and reform.
Multiple Perspectives: How Different Groups See the Crackdown
- Trump Administration: Officials say the crackdown is necessary to protect public safety and remove threats from the country.
- Affected Immigrants and Families: Many feel betrayed, especially Trump supporters who did not expect to be targeted. Families are left in limbo, unsure of what will happen next.
- Legal and Human Rights Advocates: These groups criticize the lack of distinction between civil and criminal violations and the impact on families and communities.
Historical Background: How Did We Get Here?
The Trump administration has consistently pushed for tougher immigration enforcement. Over the past few years, ICE’s arrest targets have increased, and the scope of operations has expanded. Policy changes have included ending parole programs and making all undocumented immigrants a priority for removal, regardless of criminal history.
The recent escalation follows renewed tensions with Iran and concerns about possible retaliation. This has led to increased scrutiny of Iranian nationals in the United States 🇺🇸, even those with no ties to criminal activity.
What Should Affected Individuals and Families Do?
If you or a loved one is detained by ICE, here are some practical steps you can take:
- Use the ICE Detainee Locator to find out where the person is being held.
- Contact a lawyer as soon as possible. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and local advocacy groups can help.
- Gather important documents, such as proof of family ties, work history, and any legal status.
- Stay informed about your rights. Even if you are detained, you have the right to request a hearing before an immigration judge.
- Reach out to advocacy organizations like the National Immigration Justice Center for support and resources.
The Human Cost: Real Stories Behind the Numbers
Behind every statistic is a real person and a family. Mehran Makari Saheli’s wife has spoken out about the pain and confusion caused by his arrest. She describes him as a hardworking man who believed in President Trump’s promises and never thought he would be targeted.
Other families share similar stories. Some have lived in the United States 🇺🇸 for decades, built businesses, and raised children who are U.S. citizens. Now, they face the possibility of separation and deportation, often with little warning or explanation.
Overcrowding and Strain on the System
The surge in arrests has put a strain on ICE detention facilities. Overcrowding has become a serious problem, with reports of inadequate medical care, poor living conditions, and limited access to legal help. This has raised concerns among human rights groups and lawmakers, who warn that the system is not equipped to handle such large numbers.
Legal Challenges and the Future Outlook
Legal challenges to the Trump administration’s policies are ongoing. Some courts have questioned the broad definition of “criminal” and the lack of due process for detainees. However, court backlogs and policy changes have made it harder for individuals to get relief.
Advocacy groups are pushing for more oversight and reform, but immediate changes are unlikely as long as the current enforcement priorities remain in place. With the administration’s goal of 3,000 ICE arrests per day, mass detentions are expected to continue.
Resources for Immigrants and Families
If you or someone you know is affected by these policies, there are resources available:
- ICE Detainee Locator: Find out where a detained person is being held.
- American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA): Offers legal help and information.
- National Immigration Justice Center: Provides support and resources for detained immigrants and their families.
- Department of Homeland Security: For official statements and policy updates, visit the DHS website.
What Comes Next?
As the Trump administration continues its aggressive approach to immigration enforcement, more families may find themselves affected by ICE operations. The case of Mehran Makari Saheli, an Iranian immigrant and Trump supporter, shows that no one is immune from the reach of current policies, regardless of their political beliefs or family ties.
Immigrant communities, legal advocates, and policymakers will continue to debate the best path forward. For now, the reality is that ICE’s expanded operations are changing lives every day, often in ways that are sudden and deeply disruptive.
Takeaway: If you are an immigrant or have family members who could be affected, stay informed, know your rights, and seek legal help if needed. The situation is changing quickly, and being prepared can make a big difference.
For more detailed analysis and updates on immigration policy, VisaVerge.com reports that staying connected to trusted sources and advocacy groups is essential during these uncertain times.
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Learn Today
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and deportations.
Detention → The act of holding individuals in custody pending legal or immigration proceedings.
Parole → Temporary permission allowing an immigrant to stay legally in the U.S. despite inadmissibility.
Removal Order → A legal directive to deport an individual from the United States.
National Terrorism Advisory System → DHS system warning of increased terrorism threats within the United States.
This Article in a Nutshell
In June 2025, ICE intensified arrests of Iranian nationals, including Trump supporter Mehran Saheli, amid security concerns. Policies now target immigrants without criminal records, sparking community fear and legal challenges. Families face separations and overcrowded detentions, reflecting broader enforcement shifts motivated by political and national security goals.
— By VisaVerge.com
