CBP arrests 2 at LA home reportedly used to harbor Iranian smuggling suspects
Federal officials made a significant breakthrough on Friday by arresting two individuals at a Los Angeles residence believed to be connected to an Iranian human smuggling network with ties to terrorism. This operation, part of a larger national security effort involving multiple federal agencies, was announced by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in a recent post.
According to CBP, the arrests were made following the execution of a federal search warrant at the Los Angeles location, which is described as a human smuggling hub linked to national security threats. The operation was led by CBP’s Special Response Team with assistance from Border Patrol tactical units and Air and Marine Operations.
This recent development follows the apprehension of seven Iranian nationals at the same residence earlier in the week, all of whom were on the FBI Terror Watchlist and associated with an Iranian human trafficking hub. CBP emphasized that the location has been used repeatedly to harbor illegal entrants connected to terrorism.
CBP Assistant Commissioner Hilton Beckham highlighted the intelligence indicating that the smuggling network trafficked individuals from adversarial regimes, including Iran, posing direct risks to U.S. national security. While the identities of the individuals arrested on Friday were not disclosed, CBP emphasized their commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and eliminating national security threats under President Biden’s leadership.
Beckham credited President Trump’s focus on prioritizing the safety of the American people for enabling CBP to thwart potential threats. The agency’s aggressive actions reflect a commitment to safeguarding national security and preventing harm to the United States.
In conclusion, the arrests made in Los Angeles underscore the ongoing efforts to combat human smuggling networks with ties to terrorism. The swift and decisive action taken by federal officials demonstrates a steadfast commitment to protecting the country’s security interests.
