US Plans to Deport Iranians to Central African Republic Under New Migration Deal

The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is planning to deport a number of Iranian nationals and other migrants to the Central African Republic under a new third-country deportation arrangement, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The proposed deportations would involve migrants who cannot easily be returned to their countries of origin. Sources told Reuters that the group could include Iranians, Syrians, Afghans, and a Turkish national, with an initial flight expected to carry around 20 people to the Central African Republic’s capital, Bangui.

Among those reportedly facing deportation are two Iranian women who had previously received legal protection from removal to Iran after U.S. immigration judges determined they faced a significant risk of persecution or torture if returned. One is said to be a Christian convert, while the other is described as a pro-democracy activist.

The deportation plan is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to use agreements with third countries to relocate migrants whose return to their home nations is legally or diplomatically complicated. Similar arrangements have reportedly been explored with several African countries in recent months.

Human rights organizations and immigration advocates have criticized the policy, arguing that the details of such agreements remain largely opaque and could place vulnerable migrants at risk. Critics have also questioned the decision to send deportees to the Central African Republic, a country that has faced years of political instability, armed conflict, and humanitarian challenges.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has maintained that all deportees receive due process under American law. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration said it would provide humanitarian assistance to migrants upon arrival in Bangui at the request of the Central African government, although it emphasized that it is not involved in carrying out the deportations.

The development comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran and ongoing debates over U.S. immigration policy, with rights advocates warning that the deportations could have significant humanitarian and diplomatic implications.