U.S. Poised to Deport Dozens of Iranians as Trump Threatens Tehran Over Crackdown The Trump administration is expected to deport dozens of Iranian nationals back to Iran as soon as this Sunday, sources familiar with the matter told CNN. It would be the first known deportation flight to Iran since widespread anti-government protests erupted there and President Donald Trump warned Tehran against violently suppressing dissent.
Among those slated for removal are at least two gay men whose lawyer says they face an “extremely high chance” of execution upon return, since homosexuality is punishable by death in Iran.
Officials say deportations would only proceed after federal judges have issued final removal orders, but the move has drawn criticism from advocates who argue it contradicts U.S. rhetoric supporting Iranian protesters and asylum seekers. Trump has also publicly hinted at possible military or diplomatic responses toward the Iranian regime amid ongoing unrest.
