Washington readies deportation of Iranian migrants
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- US authorities prepare to deport Iranian migrants in what advocates describe as a troubling move amid unrest in Iran.
- Rights groups warn of risks following internet shutdowns and protests, while Washington has not issued an official comment.
US authorities prepare to carry out the deportation of Iranian migrants to Iran in the coming days, according to an Iranian American organization that describes the move as alarming given ongoing developments inside the country.
The rights group says the planned deportation would be the first since the latest wave of protests erupted in Iran, a period marked by major challenges in verifying information due to a widespread internet shutdown that began on January eight.
Protests, blackout raise concern
Iranian authorities cut internet services on January 8 as protests expanded nationwide. The demonstrations began late last year over economic grievances before escalating into broader political demands.
Advocates argue that returning migrants under such conditions exposes them to heightened risks. They say the information blackout complicates efforts to assess the safety of deportees upon arrival.
Rights group warns of forced returns
Jamāl Abdi, president of the National Iranian American Council, says in a statement Thursday that the US administration is forcibly returning Iranians to their country, calling for a review of the policy under current conditions.
The organization says the upcoming flight would be at least the third deportation of Iranians in recent months, following similar flights in September and December.
Officials cite details, DHS silent
Abolfazl Mehrabadi, the diplomat tasked with handling Iranian interests in the United States, tells Iran’s state news agency IRNA on Saturday that about 40 Iranians are set to be deported. He says the group is scheduled to depart Sunday on a flight from Phoenix, Arizona.
The US Department of Homeland Security has not issued an immediate comment on the planned deportation.
Trump stance on immigration
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized that combating irregular immigration is a top priority for his administration, often using charged language to describe foreign nationals entering the United States.
In September last year, US authorities deported about one hundred Iranians following coordination with the Iranian government, a rare episode of direct engagement between Washington and Tehran.
The latest deportation plan underscores renewed tension between immigration enforcement and human rights concerns as unrest continues inside Iran.
