War scrambles Trump admin's fragile efforts to deport Iranian nationals

A deportation flight scheduled for this week was called off because “removal flights to Iran have temporarily ceased” amid the war.

Pro-government supporters wave Iranian flags during a rally in a square in western Tehran, Iran, on March 25, 2026. | Vahid Salemi/AP Photo

In early February, a federal judge was prepared to order the release of an Iranian national, Esmael Rajabi, from ICE custody, finding that the Trump administration was nowhere near effectuating his deportation.

But the administration convinced U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone to wait, insisting that an update from the Iranian government — perhaps with the necessary travel documents to deport Rajabi — was imminent.

Then the Trump administration went to war against Iran. Days after the Feb. 28 strikes, the administration told the George W. Bush-appointed judge that Rajabi’s deportation “remains under review in Tehran” but had hit a snag “due to recent airspace closure.”

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