Iran has confirmed the arrival of a second US deportation flight carrying approximately 50-55 Iranian nationals, continuing a controversial immigration enforcement pattern initiated under the Trump administration. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that these individuals were being returned for alleged violations of U.S. immigration laws, though he simultaneously criticized what he characterized as racially motivated actions against Middle Eastern nationals in America.
The National Iranian American Council (NIAC) has vigorously opposed these deportations, citing grave concerns about the treatment of detainees and potential retaliation by Iranian authorities against returnees. The advocacy group reported disturbing accounts from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody, including allegations of physical assault against one detainee and threats of forced sedation to ensure compliance with removal procedures.
ICE maintains strict operational secrecy regarding deportation flights, refusing to confirm or deny specific operations. However, the agency acknowledged that removal flights occur daily under the current administration’s policies. This lack of transparency has drawn sharp criticism from immigrant rights organizations and lawmakers alike.
The situation reveals broader patterns in U.S. immigration enforcement. While some detainees can secure release through bond or accept voluntary deportation, others face prolonged detention—sometimes lasting years—before being deported to third countries they have never visited. Notably, enforcement actions have extended beyond undocumented immigrants to include legal residents with minor infractions, such as bounced checks or marijuana possession in states where it is decriminalized.
Arizona Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari, the state’s first Iranian American elected official, has condemned what she describes as arbitrary quota-driven arrests targeting Iranian communities. She rejected as absurd any implication that Iranian Americans pose particular security risks.
The context of U.S.-Iran relations appears to influence enforcement patterns. Following the June conflict between Israel and Iran and subsequent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, ICE detained approximately 130 Iranian nationals. While the intensity of targeting may have fluctuated, concerns persist about potential political motivations behind certain arrests, including speculation about possible prisoner exchange preparations.
The case of Professor Vahid Abedini exemplifies the arbitrariness of the system. Despite holding a valid work visa, Abedini was detained at Oklahoma City airport for three days before being released without explanation. His experience suggests that outcomes often depend on external factors like media attention and political connections rather than consistent legal procedures.
In response to these developments, NIAC has initiated legal action against ICE under the Freedom of Information Act, seeking transparency regarding the number of Iranians in custody, detention conditions, deportation procedures, and communications between ICE leadership and political authorities regarding removal decisions.