Story perspectives

Trump Airlifts Iranian Asylum Seekers to CAR, Critics Decry

6/15/2026

Left

Trump Airlifts Iranians

The Trump administration is airlifting Iranian asylum seekers to conflict-riddled Central African Republic, critics say treating them as cargo.
President Donald Trump ordered deportation of an Iranian activist under withholding-of-removal order to Central African Republic, where she awaits arrival.
Advocates warn the women lack language skills, resources, and a safety net upon arrival.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari called deportations ‘evil beyond words’ and a legacy of Trump regime.

Right

US Relocates Migrants

The United States signed a third-country agreement with the Central African Republic to relocate migrants as part of a plan.
Two Iranian pro-democracy activists with withholding-of-removal status were flown to Bangui, Central African Republic.
The flight departed Alexandria, Louisiana on June 11, 2026, stopped in Ghana before reaching Bangui.
IOM will provide $85 million U.S. aid, with migrants in Bangui apartments and CAR officials silent.

History

Historical Context

In January 2019 the Department of Homeland Security launched the Migrant Protection Protocols, sending roughly 70,000 asylum seekers back to Mexican border cities such as Tijuana. By June 2026 the United States airlifted two Iranian activists to Bangui, Central African Republic under a third-country agreement, showing a continued pattern of outsourcing asylum processing to unstable locales and drawing international criticism.

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Trump Airlifts Iranians

The Trump administration is airlifting Iranian asylum seekers to conflict-riddled Central African Republic, critics say treating them as cargo.
President Donald Trump ordered deportation of an Iranian activist under withholding-of-removal order to Central African Republic, where she awaits arrival.
Advocates warn the women lack language skills, resources, and a safety net upon arrival.
Rep. Yassamin Ansari called deportations ‘evil beyond words’ and a legacy of Trump regime.

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