Published：Jun 7, 11:35Last updated：Jun 13, 16:15

US Deports Iranian Asylum Seekers to Central African Republic

Jun. 7, 2026 11:35

The Central African Republic has agreed to accept migrants deported by the U.S. from other countries, according to sources. This is part of the Trump administration's deals with African states to accelerate removals, despite legal protections some deportees had secured in the U.S.

Summarized

8News

7Media

Jun. 13, 2026 13:55

In the Central African Republic, after days of speculation, the first plane carrying migrants deported from the US landed in Bangui on Friday evening, June 12. The operation was conducted discreetly, with unclear details, as authorities did not comment on the transfer. This aligns with the US administration's strategy to relocate certain migrants to third countries, making CAR the latest African nation to accept such an agreement.

Jun. 13, 2026 16:15

The US has deported a group of migrants, including an Iranian activist, to the Central African Republic (CAR). The exact number of deportees is unclear but is estimated to be around two dozen. This action is part of the Trump administration's controversial agreements with several African countries to deport migrants who cannot be sent back to their home countries. The deportation occurred on June 13, 2026.

The Trump administration has deported a group of migrants, including Iranian asylum seekers, to the Central African Republic (CAR) despite safety concerns raised by the US State Department. The operation, conducted on June 12-13, 2026, marks a controversial expansion of third-country deportation agreements with African nations.

🌍 Deportation Details

A plane carrying approximately two dozen deportees landed in Bangui, CAR's capital, following discreet arrangements between US and CAR authorities. Among them was an Iranian woman who had previously secured protective measures in the US due to persecution risks in her home country. The deportation bypassed court orders that prevented direct returns to Iran. The New York Times+2

⚖️ Legal and Ethical Concerns

Human rights lawyers have condemned the move, citing CAR's designation as a "highly dangerous" destination by Washington. The deportees included individuals who had fled Iran, raising questions about their safety in a country with ongoing instability. This action reflects the administration's broader strategy to accelerate removals through third-country agreements. Le Monde+2

🏛️ Policy Implications

The deportation highlights the Trump administration's persistent efforts to enforce stricter immigration policies, even when facing legal challenges. CAR becomes the latest African nation to accept such an arrangement, following similar deals with other countries. The lack of transparency surrounding the operation has drawn criticism from advocacy groups monitoring migrant rights. Reuters+2

BanguiIranian migrantsUS State DepartmentTrump administrationCentral African Republic