Newly released emails reveal that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) collaborated with Iranian officials to deport over 100 Iranians on three separate flights in late 2025 and early 2026, according to multiple reports. The emails, obtained by the National Iranian American Council and made public Tuesday, provide a detailed account of how the two countries coordinated these deportations despite mounting tensions.
Key Takeaways
Newly released emails reveal that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) worked closely with Iranian officials in late 2025 and early 2026 to deport over 100 Iranians on three separate flights, despite escalating tensions between the countries. The emails show that Iranian authorities had significant influence over who was deported, including last-minute changes to deportation lists.
- ICE coordinated with Iranian officials for deportations
- Over 100 Iranians were flown back to Iran in 2025 and 2026
- Iranian officials influenced deportation lists
- Deportations occurred amid a conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran
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▼Source Claims Check
High ConsensusAll 3 publishers report consistent facts across 3 key claims.
| Claim | Status | Reason | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deportation Flights | Broad Agreement | Three deportation flights occurred in September and December 2025, January 2026. | |
| Influence Of Iranian Officials | Broad Agreement | Iranian officials had influence over deportation lists, per emails. | |
| Number Of Iranians To Be Returned | Broad Agreement | Up to 400 Iranians could be returned under an agreement with the Trump administration. |
Deportation Flights
Broad AgreementThree deportation flights occurred in September and December 2025, January 2026.
Influence Of Iranian Officials
Broad AgreementIranian officials had influence over deportation lists, per emails.
Number Of Iranians To Be Returned
Broad AgreementUp to 400 Iranians could be returned under an agreement with the Trump administration.
This analysis is AI-generated and may not perfectly represent each source's reporting. Always read the original articles for full context.
The emails show that Iranian officials had significant influence over which immigrants were sent back to Iran. ICE officials reportedly heeded last-minute changes to deportation lists at the request of Iranian authorities. For instance, one unnamed ICE official wrote in late August 2025, a month before the first deportation flight, that they added a few cases per the request from the Iranian Embassy. Another email indicated that an unspecified change was made to the deportation list after meeting with the Director at the Iranian Embassy.
The coordination of these flights remained a high priority even as ICE officials acknowledged internally that Iranians were fleeing their country amid a deadly 12-day war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran in June 2025. The flights departed just months after a ceasefire was agreed upon. This collaboration marks a departure from decades-long practices of welcoming Iranian dissidents and exiles since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The deportation of Iranians to a country known for its persecution of women, religious minorities, and political dissidents has drawn significant criticism from human rights activists. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) did not offer comment in response to an emailed request sent Tuesday afternoon. Iranian officials acknowledged that as many as 400 Iranians could be returned under an agreement with the Trump administration.
How this summary was created
This summary synthesizes reporting from 3 independent publishers using AI. All sources are cited and linked below. NewsBalance is a news aggregator and media literacy tool, not a news publisher. AI-generated content may contain errors or inaccuracies — always verify important information with the original sources.