US moves to deport Iranians, others to Central African Republic
What's next: A first flight carrying about 20 people could leave as early as June 11 under a broader third-country deportation deal.
The Trump administration is preparing to send a group of Iranians and other migrants to the Central African Republic under a new third-country deportation arrangement, according to people briefed on the plan and lawyers for some of those facing removal. The first flight is expected to carry about 20 people, including Syrians, Afghans and a Turkish national, and could depart as early as June 11. Lawyer Emily Trostle said two Iranian women in the group had sought asylum after arriving in the United States in November 2024 and had won withholding of removal from an immigration judge. She said one is a Christian convert and the other a pro-democracy activist. Migrants sent to Bangui are expected to be housed in apartments, and officials said hundreds could eventually be transferred under the deal.