Jakarta, ThedailyID — The administration of US President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to deport a group of Iranian migrants to the Central African Republic (CAR), a country facing ongoing security and humanitarian challenges.
According to Reuters, the plan involves several Iranian nationals as well as migrants from countries including Syria, Afghanistan, and Turkey. The first flight could carry around 20 people and depart in the coming days.
The move forms part of Washington’s broader use of so-called “third-country deportation” agreements. Under these arrangements, the United States sends migrants to countries other than their homeland when direct deportation is not possible.
Among those reportedly facing deportation are two Iranian women who had previously received legal protection in the United States. Their lawyer said one is a Christian convert, while the other is a pro-democracy activist. Both could face persecution if they return to Iran.
Human rights groups have criticized the policy and questioned the transparency of the agreements. They argue that some deportees had already secured protections from US immigration courts because of safety concerns in their home countries.
Meanwhile, US officials have defended the deportation arrangements as lawful. The Department of Homeland Security previously stated that deportees receive due process before removal.
The Central African Republic recently agreed to accept third-country deportees from the United States. However, authorities have not disclosed how many migrants the country may ultimately receive under the agreement.
Reuters reported that authorities plan to house deportees in apartments in Bangui, the country’s capital. Sources familiar with the arrangement said hundreds of migrants could eventually arrive under the deal.
The policy has attracted additional attention because it comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following months of conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
As debate continues, rights advocates are urging US authorities to reconsider deportations involving asylum seekers and migrants who could face persecution if removed from the country.
