US-Iran deportation coordination controversy

Internal emails obtained by the National Iranian American Council reveal that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials coordinated with the Iranian government to facilitate deportation flights between late 2025 and early 2026.

The documents detail three separate charter flights conducted in September 2025, December 2025, and January 2026, resulting in the return of more than 100 Iranians. The correspondence indicates that Iranian officials exerted influence over the process, including making last-minute requests to amend manifests. One ICE official recorded, “Per request from the Iran Embassy I added a few cases,” while another noted amending lists following meetings with the director at the Iranian Embassy.

This collaboration occurred during a period of heightened geopolitical conflict between the United States and Iran. While some communications were reportedly facilitated through third parties such as Qatar, the coordination represented a shift from previous policies where Iranian nationals were often permitted to remain in the U.S. due to persecution concerns. Human rights advocates have expressed alarm regarding the safety of deportees, specifically dissidents and minorities, though the Department of Homeland Security has not commented.