ICE detains former Iranian sniper in North Alabama

Yaffee

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June 25, 2025

(@DHSGov/X, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Flickr, YHN)

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested a man from the Islamic Republic of Iran on Sunday who “never adjusted his status,” according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

DHS announced on Tuesday that Ribvar Karimi of Blount County’s Locust Fork is being detained and is currently facing deportation. Karimi reportedly served as an Iranian Army sniper from 2018 to 2021 and was in possession of an Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card at the time of his arrest.

Karimi was one of 11 Iranian nationals who were arrested over the weekend and accused of being in the country illegally. The arrests were part of an effort by DHS and ICE to address concerns of a possible terrorist attack in the U.S. because of the recent military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

“Under Secretary Noem, DHS has been full throttle on identifying and arresting known or suspected terrorists and violent extremists that illegally entered this country, came in through Biden’s fraudulent parole programs, or otherwise,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said. “We have been saying we are getting the worst of the worst out—and we are. We don’t wait until a military operation to execute; we proactively deliver on President Trump’s mandate to secure the homeland.”

Karimi obtained a K1 visa, which allows immigrants to enter the U.S. with the intent of marrying a U.S. citizen, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The couple got married three months after he entered the U.S.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) believes the arrests were necessary for national security purposes.

Joe Biden’s open border left EVERY STATE vulnerable to illegals and terrorists. Now, they’re trying to escape the law in small towns like Locust Fork, Alabama. Great job by our @ICEgov agents to ensure these criminals are held accountable.

Just another example of why we must…

— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) June 24, 2025

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) also applauded the arrest of Karimi and the ten other Iranians.

Not only were Iranian illegal aliens allowed into our country under Biden’s open border, but almost half of them were released back into the interior. I’m thankful President Trump is back at the helm to detain and deport dangerous criminals.https://t.co/MT908uptkj

— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) June 25, 2025