Federal agents arrested two individuals in Los Angeles linked to an Iranian human smuggling operation with terrorism ties, raising serious national security concerns amid escalating tensions. The arrests come after the Department of Homeland Security warned of a “heightened threat environment” following the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities by the United States. Earlier arrests at the same site included seven Iranian nationals on the FBI Terror Watchlist.
CBP’s Special Response Team oversaw the operation, with assistance from Border Patrol tactical units.
Federal Raid Targets Terrorism-Linked Smuggling Operation
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents conducted a raid in Los Angeles, resulting in the arrest of two individuals connected to an Iranian human smuggling operation with links to terrorism. The property has been identified as a recurring harbor for illegal entrants with terrorist connections, according to CBP officials. This operation comes at a critical time as federal agencies intensify their counterterrorism efforts following recent military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities, which have significantly heightened tensions between the United States and Iran.
The location had already been under surveillance after seven Iranian nationals on the FBI Terror Watchlist were apprehended at the same site earlier this week. CBP described the property as a hub for Iranian human trafficking operations that potentially serve as a pipeline for individuals with terrorism connections to enter the United States. The coordinated effort involved CBP’s Special Response Team working alongside Border Patrol tactical units and Air and Marine Operations, demonstrating the significant resources being deployed to address this national security threat.
🚨 BREAKING: DHS just raided a home in Los Angeles connected to an IRANIAN TRAFFlCKING RING
SEVEN Iranian nationals were arrested at the address,including individuals on the FBI Tərror Watchlist
DHS is DOUBLING DOWN as a result of the riots! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/3asZE2DxQl
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) June 27, 2025
Heightened National Security Concerns
The Department of Homeland Security recently issued warnings about an elevated threat environment within the United States, particularly following American military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. This raid represents part of a broader national security initiative involving multiple federal agencies working to prevent potential retaliatory actions on American soil. The operation highlights growing concerns about Iran’s capacity to utilize human smuggling networks as a means to position operatives within the United States.
Federal intelligence agencies have reportedly intensified monitoring of known Iranian networks operating within American borders. The Los Angeles operation demonstrates the practical implementation of these heightened security measures, targeting not just direct operatives but also the support infrastructure that enables terrorist mobility. The identification and disruption of these smuggling networks represents a critical component in the broader strategy to protect homeland security from foreign threats.
NEW INFORMATION: Two Iranian nationals arrested in Van Nuys after U.S. Customs and Border Protection executed a search warrant targeting a human smuggling hub "tied to national security threats.”
Translation: California is harboring illegal aliens on the FBI Terror Watchlist. pic.twitter.com/jHG00G6KpF
— Dapper Detective (@Dapper_Det) June 29, 2025
Ongoing Tensions and Domestic Threats
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has specifically addressed the increased risk to domestic safety stemming from the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. According to security briefings, these threats encompass a range of potential actions, including sophisticated cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, isolated acts of violence, and a potential rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes. The Los Angeles arrests demonstrate how international conflicts can create direct security implications within American communities.
The CBP operation represents one visible aspect of what officials describe as a multi-faceted approach to countering Iranian influence operations within the United States. While the immediate arrests address the specific threat posed by this smuggling network, security experts note that the broader challenge involves identifying and neutralizing similar operations that may be operating with varying degrees of sophistication throughout the country. As international tensions continue, federal agencies maintain that disrupting these networks remains a top national security priority.