U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently detained 11 Iranian nationals across the country, including a man identified as a former sniper in the Iranian Army. Officials say the arrest comes as part of heightened security efforts following escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S.

The individual, Ribvar Karimi, reportedly served four years in Iran’s military before entering the U.S. on a K-1 visa, which is typically granted to foreign nationals engaged to marry U.S. citizens. Authorities detained him in Locust, Alabama, after discovering documentation linking him to Iran’s armed forces. Officials say Karimi failed to meet the legal requirements of his visa, making him eligible for removal from the country.

ICE stated that Karimi’s arrest is part of a larger operation focused on identifying individuals with potential security risks. The operation also led to the detention of another individual, Mehran Makari Sahel, in Minnesota. Sahel, according to ICE, has acknowledged past ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and links to Hezbollah.

While no formal ties to active terrorism plots have been confirmed, law enforcement agencies remain on alert. A recent bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) noted the possibility of increased threats related to overseas conflicts, including potential cyberattacks or violence on U.S. soil.

Separately, Florida officials recently reported the interception of a group of Iranian nationals attempting to arrive by boat. While the total number on board remains unclear, the incident has raised further concerns about border security and monitoring.

Federal and local authorities are continuing to monitor potential threats while emphasizing the importance of vigilance during periods of international unrest.