U.S. Plans Second Deportation Flight Returning Dozens Of Iranians Amid Human Rights Concerns

Second Deportation Flight Expected After Rare U.S.-Iran Arrangement

A U.S. official familiar with the matter told CNN that the Trump administration plans to deport dozens of Iranians to Iran on Sunday. The operation would be the second such deportation flight following an uncommon arrangement between Washington and Tehran, two governments that do not maintain formal diplomatic relations.

Human rights groups and advocacy organizations have raised serious concerns about people who fled Iran and may now be forced to return. The State Department’s most recent human rights report, published under the Trump administration, identifies "significant human rights issues" in Iran.

Asylum Claimant Says Return Would Put Him At Risk

One man who said he expects to be on the flight told CNN he would be at risk if returned. The individual, who asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation, said he fled Iran because of his sexuality. Homosexuality is criminalized in Iran and can carry the death penalty in some circumstances.

"I suffered a lot in country for what I am," he told CNN, alleging he was tortured and raped in Iran.

He said he traveled for months to reach the United States and was robbed and beaten en route. He was detained after crossing the border in the closing days of the Biden administration and says he has experienced abuse and discrimination while held in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention. He told CNN he filed for asylum, but the current status of that application is unclear. CNN was not able to independently verify his account.

Route, Official Responses And Context

A source familiar with Sunday’s operation said the plane is expected to stop in Kuwait en route to Iran. The first deportation flight of this type took place in September. CNN reached out to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE and the Iranian Mission to the United Nations for comment.

ICE declined to confirm reporting by BBC Persian about the deportations, citing "the safety of the flight and its passengers" and saying it could not discuss operational details. The National Iranian American Council, a U.S.-based nonprofit, called on the administration to halt the flight, saying those being returned fled government repression and deserve protection rather than removal.

This story highlights tensions between immigration enforcement policy and international human rights concerns. Authorities and advocacy groups continue to dispute the safety and legality of returning people who say they face persecution if sent back to Iran.