ICE allegedly accelerated Iranian deportations during US-Iran war, NIAC claims

According to the National Iranian American Council (NIAC), the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) accelerated the deportation of Iranian nationals during the 12-Day War in 2025. Emails obtained by NIAC claim that this surge in deportations was ordered directly from the White House. In June of that year, ICE intensified efforts to arrest Iranian nationals, leading to the apprehension of 192 individuals.

Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons issued these orders just days before the US struck Iranian nuclear facilities, triggering the war.

Despite indications that Iran's airspace was closed and the country was in turmoil, the expedited deportation process proceeded. A deportation flight even took place on September 30, landing in Qatar to transfer deportees to Iran. NIAC reports that an Iranian deportee was missed from the flight manifest, leading to his repatriation to Iran. This incident raised serious questions about potential unlawful or involuntary cross-border transfers.

NIAC suggests that the Israeli government may have had involvement in the deportation proceedings. An attaché at the US Embassy in Tel Aviv was heavily involved in the process, implying Israeli government influence. NIAC President Jamal Abdi stated that the operation coincided with the US bombing Iran and President's warning for Iranians to evacuate major cities.

Abdi accused the administration of working to deport asylum seekers back to Iran during the war, despite acknowledging the danger it was creating for the country. He emphasized that the US government cannot claim support for Iranians while deporting them to a country being bombed.

NIAC has previously criticized foreign intervention in Iran, including sanctions and military action, but has condemned the Iranian regime and supported Iranians' efforts to overthrow the Islamic Republic.