“They’re Going to Get Killed”: Federal Judge’s Warning Unsealed as Deportation Flight to Iran Nears with Asylum Seekers on Board

WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 5, 2026 — U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes today made public previously confidential documents and a transcript in IALDF’s lawsuit against the government, IALDF v. Rubio (No. 1:26-cv-02375-ACR, D.D.C.). The documents reveal that even during the eight-month war with Iran, the U.S. government continued to plan removals and mass deportations of Iranian asylum seekers back to Iran in consultation with the Iranian government.

At an October 15 hearing, Judge Reyes said:

Asylum seekers targeted for removal have told lawyers at the Iranian American Legal Defense Fund (IALDF) that they are slotted for a flight removing them to Iran, via Pakistan, during the second week of November, timing consistent with the newly unsealed documents. IALDF is monitoring developments on the mass deportation flight and fighting to get asylum seekers who risk death in Iran off it via every available legal avenue.

In an October 23, 2026, notice, the government informed the court that ICE’s Removal Management Division “confirmed it has finalized a plan to remove certain Iranian nationals subject to a final order of removal.” IALDF is now hearing reports of individuals with asylum claims who have been moved from their regular ICE detention center in preparation for the flight.

Upon learning he was being sent back to Iran in the coming days, one asylum seeker told IALDF he would rather die in U.S. detention, or be sent anywhere else, than return to Iran, where a prison sentence awaits him because of his Christian faith. After hearing the news, he attempted to harm himself and had to be restrained by ICE detention center officers.

IALDF initially brought this lawsuit on July 7, 2026, after learning that the U.S. government was sharing confidential asylum information with Iranian officials.

“In this case, the U.S. government has already admitted that it revealed the confidential legally protected credible fear information of asylum seekers to government officials of Iran,” said Yasmine Chubin, Executive Director of IALDF.

“Some of the very same asylum seekers whose confidential information was shared with Iran have been approached and told they will soon be deported to Iran via Pakistan,” Chubin added. “If sent back, they will face persecution, torture, and death.”

Credible fear information details why a person’s life is at risk in Iran — often their religion, political affiliation, or participation in a public protest. With it in Iranian hands, those sent back could be singled out the moment they land.

At that hearing, Judge Reyes warned a government lawyer: “If they’re people who applied for asylum in this country, making allegations as to how they would get treated there, they’re going to get killed.” Moments later, she said:

These asylum seekers are being sent back to the country they fled in fear for their lives, where Iranian officials now hold their confidential information, all while the U.S. threatens renewed and intensified bombing of Iran.

“By any standard, no one should be removed to Iran in the current context. The flight must be stopped,” said Chubin.

IALDF is litigating the case with co-counsel Public Citizen and represents Iranian asylum seekers facing imminent removal to Iran.

The Associated Press reported today on the documents unsealed in the case:

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About IALDF

The Iranian American Legal Defense Fund provides legal protection and empowerment for all Iranians in America. Through advocacy, legal support, civil rights, education, and economic inclusion, IALDF works to ensure that every Iranian American can thrive, contribute, and shape a more just, inclusive, and prosperous future. Learn more at ialdf.org.