WASHINGTON, June 12, 2026 — The United States is preparing to deport a group of migrants, including Iranian nationals who could face persecution if returned to their homeland, to the Central African Republic under a controversial third-country relocation arrangement, according to reports citing officials familiar with the plan.
Among those slated for transfer are two Iranian women who had previously received legal protection in the United States after immigration judges determined they faced a significant risk of persecution if returned to Iran. One of the women reportedly converted to Christianity, while the other is known as a pro-democracy activist.
Their attorney, Emily Trostle, said both women had been granted “withholding of removal,” a form of protection issued when an immigration court concludes that an individual is more likely than not to face persecution or torture in their country of origin.
According to Reuters, the Central African Republic recently reached an agreement with Washington to accept third-country nationals deported from the United States. Similar arrangements have also been discussed with neighboring countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
A U.S. official familiar with the matter said the first deportation flight, carrying approximately 20 migrants, could depart as early as Thursday. The group is expected to include Syrian and Afghan nationals, as well as a Turkish citizen who had also received protection from removal due to fears of political persecution.
The U.S. government maintains that such deportation agreements are lawful and comply with immigration regulations. However, human rights organizations and migration advocates argue that the arrangements lack transparency and may expose vulnerable individuals to uncertain conditions or eventual repatriation to countries where they face danger.
Sources told Reuters that deportees sent to the Central African Republic are expected to be housed in apartments in the capital, Bangui, with no immediate plans for onward relocation. Under the agreement, hundreds of migrants could eventually be transferred to the country.
The Central African Republic, one of the world’s poorest nations, has long struggled with instability, armed violence, and humanitarian challenges, raising further concerns among rights groups about the suitability of the country as a destination for vulnerable migrants.
