From Clarín · Agencia AP · · 1m 20s
U.S. Cancels Last-Minute Iranian Deportation Flight
U.S. cancels last-minute deportation flight of Iranians to Iran via Pakistan, lawyer says.
In brief
U.S. cancels last-minute deportation flight of Iranians to Iran via Pakistan, lawyer says. A U.S. deportation flight of Iranians to Iran via Pakistan was abruptly canceled last Sunday, with lawyers warning of potential persecution and death for those repatriated. Originally reported by Clarín.
Deportation flight canceled
A U.S. deportation flight of Iranians to Iran via Pakistan was abruptly canceled last Sunday, according to a lawyer.
At least eight Iranians boarded flight
At least eight Iranians were loaded onto a plane in Mesa, Arizona, for a deportation flight to Georgia and then Pakistan on Sunday.
Lawyer reports emergency motions
Ali Rahnama, lawyer for the U.S.-Iranian Legal Defense Fund (IALDF), filed emergency motions on behalf of detained Iranians.
Trump administration plans deportation
Documents show the Trump administration planned to deport Iranians to Iran via an unidentified third country as recently as mid-October.
Deportation flights occurred in 2025-2026
Three deportation flights to Iran occurred between September 2025 and January 2.
U.S. refuses to comment on deportation
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security refused to comment on deportation flight schedules or passenger lists.
Iranian officials contacted detainees
Iranian officials visited detained Iranians in Pakistan and said they would transport them to Iran.
Risk of persecution for deportees
Iranian lawyers warned that deportees could face persecution, torture, or death due to ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.
The key point
A U.S. deportation flight of Iranians to Iran via Pakistan was abruptly canceled last Sunday, with lawyers warning of potential persecution and death for those repatriated.
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