The Trump administration just sent a powerful message to Iran by deporting three former members of a designated terrorist organization who illegally crossed into America, demonstrating that our borders will no longer be a revolving door for those with ties to America’s enemies.
Story Snapshot
- Three former Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps members deported after illegally entering the US in 2024
- Deportees Ehsan Khaledi, Mohammad Mehrani, and Morteza Nasirikakolaki had final removal orders from federal judges
- Flight marks first deportation to Iran since deadly anti-government protests erupted, killing thousands
- DHS emphasizes zero tolerance for terrorist organization members: “Foreign terrorist organizers are NOT welcome”
Trump Administration Removes IRGC-Linked Illegal Immigrants
The Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement announced the removal of Ehsan Khaledi, Mohammad Mehrani, and Morteza Nasirikakolaki on January 27, 2026. All three men served in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps before illegally entering the United States through California and Arizona in 2024. The deportations occurred over the weekend preceding the announcement, with the three men among 14 Iranian nationals returned to Tehran on the first flight since widespread protests began in Iran.
Three former members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps – a Foreign Terrorist Organization – have been deported. They entered the U.S. during the Biden Administration.
President Trump and Secretary Noem are delivering a safe and secure homeland.https://t.co/6J8fP9LIeR
— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 27, 2026
Illegal Border Crossings Exposed Security Vulnerabilities
Mohammad Mehrani crossed illegally into southern California in September 2024, followed by Ehsan Khaledi in October at the same location. Morteza Nasirikakolaki entered near San Luis, Arizona in November 2024, where Border Patrol apprehended him. These breaches highlight the national security risks created by the Biden administration’s catastrophic border policies, which allowed individuals affiliated with a designated terrorist organization to penetrate American soil. Federal judges issued final removal orders for all three men before their deportation.
IRGC’s Terrorist Designation and Threat to America
The United States designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a foreign terrorist organization in 2019 during President Trump’s first term. The IRGC operates as Iran’s elite military force, reporting directly to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and maintaining separation from Iran’s regular army. The designation recognized the organization’s support for militant groups and operations targeting American interests throughout the Middle East. Israel and other nations have similarly classified the IRGC as a terrorist entity, with Italy proposing EU-wide designation in January 2026.
Deportations Occur Amid Iranian Regime Violence
The removals coincide with brutal crackdowns on Iranian protesters that began approximately one month before the deportations. Iranian security forces have killed between 6,221 confirmed and potentially over 30,000 demonstrators, according to human rights organizations. The regime executed at least 313 people between late December and January, targeting dissidents and protest participants. Incidents like the January 8-9 Tehranpars killings demonstrate the regime’s willingness to massacre its own citizens. Protesters have organized strikes and chanted slogans like “long live the King,” directly challenging the Islamic Republic’s authority.
DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin emphasized the administration’s commitment to protecting Americans from foreign terrorism. The Trump administration has signaled willingness to use military force if Iran continues its violent suppression of peaceful protesters. These deportations follow two previous flights in 2025 that returned 55 Iranian nationals each in September and December. The removals reinforce President Trump’s America First immigration policy, prioritizing citizen safety over globalist open-border ideology that endangered communities nationwide.
Heightened US-Iran Tensions Shape Regional Policy
The deportations amplify existing hostilities between Washington and Tehran during a period of significant US military buildup in the region. The Trump administration has abandoned the weak posture of previous years, instead projecting strength against Iranian aggression and human rights violations. This approach deters future illegal entries by individuals connected to hostile foreign governments and terrorist organizations. The removals also send a clear signal that America will aggressively enforce immigration laws against those who threaten national security, a core constitutional duty neglected under prior leadership.
Sources:
US Deports Three Former IRGC Members, ICE Says – Iran International
US Deports Former IRGC Members – Ahram Online
US Deports Three Former Members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards – Jerusalem Post
