US Prepares to Deport Iranians Amid Human Rights Concerns
The United States government under former President Donald Trump is scheduled to deport another group of Iranians this Sunday, according to sources familiar with the matter. This will be the second removal flight arranged under a rare cooperation agreement between Washington and Tehran, two countries without formal diplomatic relations. The move aligns with the Trump administration’s intensified push to expel undocumented immigrants.
Human rights organizations have expressed deep concern over the potential dangers facing the Iranians being returned, many of whom fled persecution, discrimination, or threats to their lives. The State Department’s latest human rights report under the Trump administration highlighted “serious human rights violations” in Iran, including harsh penalties for dissenters and restrictions on personal freedoms.
Personal Risk and Asylum Concerns
One individual expected on the deportation flight described the serious threat to his life if returned. Speaking anonymously, he explained that he fled Iran due to his sexuality, which can carry the death penalty in his home country. He shared that he endured torture and sexual violence before leaving and faced further abuse while traveling to the United States, including robbery and physical assaults.
After entering the U.S. during the final days of the Biden administration, he was detained by immigration authorities and reported ongoing mistreatment while in custody. He has submitted an asylum claim, but the outcome remains uncertain. “My life would be in immediate danger if I am sent back,” he said, emphasizing that he sought safety and the opportunity to live openly.
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) urged the administration to halt the deportation flight. Jamal Abdi, NIAC’s president, warned that returning individuals who fled repression could endanger their lives and exacerbate the human rights violations they already faced.
Flight Plans and International Response
According to sources, the upcoming deportation flight is expected to stop in Kuwait before continuing to Iran. The first such flight under this agreement took place in September. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) declined to confirm details, citing the safety of passengers and the operation itself. Requests for comment were also directed to the Department of Homeland Security and Iran’s mission to the United Nations.
Advocacy groups, attorneys, and Iranian-American organizations are calling for a review of the asylum claims for those involved, stressing that the consequences of deportation could be life-threatening. Many fear that without proper protection, individuals who sought refuge in the United States could face persecution, imprisonment, or worse upon return.
