The administration of Donald Trump is considering deporting some Iranians and other migrants to the Central African Republic, Reuters reports.
According to the agency, the cases involve people whose return to their countries of origin, U.S. authorities believe, could put them at risk of torture or persecution.
Among the Iranians who could be sent to the CAR are two women. One of them converted to Christianity; the other is a pro-democracy activist. Their lawyer said both were detained after arriving in the United States in November 2024 and filed asylum applications.
They were later granted a form of protection that bars deportation to a country where they could face persecution. A court found that the likelihood of such a risk exceeded 50%.
A U.S. official said the first flight under a possible agreement with the CAR could carry about 20 people, including citizens of Syria and Afghanistan. The aircraft could depart as soon as Thursday.
The deportation of a Turkish citizen who fled political persecution and received similar protection is also under discussion.
According to a Reuters source, the deportees are expected to be placed in the CAR capital, Bangui, without immediate repatriation. Under such an agreement, hundreds of migrants could eventually be sent there.