The Trump administration held secret talks with Iranian officials in mid-October to explore deporting Iranian nationals to Iran or through a third country, despite the ongoing US-Iran conflict, newly unsealed court documents show.
On October 15, U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes questioned the administration’s plans during a hearing, citing concerns over the safety of deportees returning to Iran. The judge ordered the government to provide 24-hour notice of any finalized deportation plans and five days’ written notice before carrying out removals.
What the documents reveal
The filings, obtained by The Associated Press, indicate that U.S. immigration officials maintained contact with Iranian authorities during the conflict to submit travel documents and discuss "possible avenues for removal." The administration did not specify when deportations would occur or which third country was involved.
Legal and political reactions
A lawsuit filed by the Iranian American Legal Defense Fund prompted the unsealing of the documents. The group alleges that the government shared confidential information about Iranian asylum seekers with Iranian authorities. At least a dozen Iranian detainees were notified in the past week that they faced imminent deportation to Iran, with some told removals could occur as early as the following Sunday.
During the hearing, Justice Department attorney Dimitar Georgiev-Remmel defended the administration’s actions, stating that officials were "executing lawful orders of removal."
Judge’s concerns over safety risks
Judge Reyes emphasized the risks deportees would face in Iran, referencing President Donald Trump’s public statements describing Iran as an "enemy" and "lawless" nation. She questioned whether the U.S. could justify sending individuals to a country where they would face "a serious threat of certain death."
Background and context
The administration’s deportation efforts were part of a broader immigration crackdown under Trump, which included increased removals to countries critics argue pose dangers to returnees. Earlier filings and emails show that such talks with Iran occurred last year and shortly before the war, but the latest revelations highlight continued efforts even after hostilities escalated.
The Department of Homeland Security did not immediately respond to requests for comment.