The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) apprehended two individuals in Los Angeles associated with an Iranian human smuggling network, which officials have identified as a center for illegal immigrants connected to terror threats. This significant operation was backed by various federal agencies and followed the earlier arrest of seven Iranian nationals listed on the FBI’s Terror Watchlist.

In this context, CBP officials highlighted the crime ring’s potential threat to national security and referenced intelligence regarding trafficking activities from hostile regimes such as Iran. The Trump administration’s emphasis on border security was acknowledged as a key factor that facilitated the decisive action to dismantle the smuggling operation.

On June 27, 2025, CBP announced the raid through a social media post, stating, “CBP executed a federal search warrant today at a human smuggling hub in Los Angeles linked to national security threats. Two individuals were arrested during the operation, which was conducted by CBP’s Special Response Team with assistance from Border Patrol tactical units and Air and Marine Operations.”

Furthermore, the CBP elaborated, “The site has been consistently utilized to shelter illegal entrants associated with terrorism. Under @POTUS, CBP is undertaking vigorous measures to eliminate smuggling networks and mitigate national security threats before they can inflict harm.”