Ribvar Karimi/Iran/Iranian Army Sniper

Ribvar Karimi, a 35-year-old citizen of Iran and an illegal alien in the United States, was arrested by ICE Atlanta on June 22 in Locust, Alabama. Karimi reportedly served as a sniper in the Iranian Army between 2018 and 2021. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of an Islamic Republic of Iran Army identification card. The presence of this document raised significant concern given his military background and the potential national security implications associated with it.

Karimi entered the United States in October 2024 under the Biden administration, utilizing a K-1 visa intended for foreign nationals engaged to be married to U.S. citizens. However, he failed to adjust his immigration status as required by law, a violation that rendered his presence in the U.S. unlawful and subject to removal under immigration statutes. Karimi did not pursue the marriage-based residency process, and no legal status was granted.

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations took Karimi into custody without incident and placed him in a secure detention facility. Due to his military affiliation and the nature of his unauthorized stay, his case has been flagged as a priority for removal. He is currently being held pending immigration proceedings before a federal judge. ICE has confirmed that Karimi remains in custody and will face removal proceedings in accordance with federal law.