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Trump administration held talks with Iran on deporting Iranians during the war, court documents show
Court documents show the Trump administration held talks with Iranian officials about deporting Iranian nationals while the war with Iran was under way. The disclosures have intensified scrutiny of the removals and of claims that US agencies shared confidential asylum information with Iran.
The filings say officials discussed travel documents and possible routes for removals, including through a third country. A judge ordered the government to give 24 hours’ notice of any final deportation plans and five days’ written notice before carrying them out. Emails cited in the case describe more than 100 Iranians being returned on three flights in September and December 2025 and January 2026; the government has denied sharing asylum application records with Iran.
In short
- Court filings show deportation talks continued during the war.
- A judge ordered advance notice of planned removals.
- Emails describe three flights returning more than 100 Iranians.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A government can argue that enforcing final removal orders is a routine responsibility, and that discussing travel documents and routes with Iranian officials was a practical step to arrange returns, not evidence that confidential asylum records were shared. Where removals proceed lawfully and people receive required notice and legal protections, carrying them out can uphold immigration rules and the integrity of the process.
The case against
Critics can argue that negotiating deportations with a hostile state during wartime creates serious risks for people being returned, especially if they sought asylum or could face persecution. The allegations about possible disclosure of asylum information warrant close scrutiny, and the court’s notice requirements reflect the need for oversight and time to challenge removals before they happen.
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