US prepares to send Iranian, other migrants to Central African Republic: Reuters

BANGUI, Central African Republic — The United States is preparing to send Iranian and other irregular migrants to the Central African Republic, Reuters reported, citing unnamed sources. The first flight is expected to carry around 20 people, including Syrian, Afghan and one Turkish national, according to the agency. Reuters reported that the aircraft transporting the migrants could depart as early as Wednesday. The transfer is part of the Trump administration's broader push to deport migrants to third countries, a policy that has drawn criticism and legal challenges in the past. At his inauguration, President Donald Trump pledged to immediately halt illegal immigration and begin processing millions of migrants in the country. He also declared a national emergency over conditions at the U.S. southern border. The administration's deportations to third countries have previously faced scrutiny. No further details on the Central African Republic arrangement were immediately available.