New Lawsuit Alleges Trump Administration Disclosed Asylum Seekers’ Information to Iran
A newly filed lawsuit in Washington, D.C., claims that the Trump administration has been leaking sensitive information regarding Iranian asylum seekers to the Iranian government. The National Litigation Group, a progressive legal organization, contends that this practice began in March 2025, during which U.S. officials allegedly began to “routinely mail or hand-deliver” immigration files of detained Iranians to Tehran.
Legal Implications of Information Sharing
Michael Kirkpatrick, an attorney with Public Citizen, asserted that federal law prohibits the sharing of details contained within asylum applications, especially regarding individuals who are labeled as fugitives. Public Citizen is representing the Iranian American Legal Defense Fund in this case. Kirkpatrick emphasized the severe risks involved, noting that the exposure of such information could lead to detainment, interrogation, imprisonment, or even torture for those individuals upon their return to Iran. Furthermore, their family members still residing in Iran could also face repercussions.
Meetings and Continued Data Sharing
The lawsuit alleges that asylum applications were discussed during monthly meetings between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Office of Iranian Interests, which manages U.S. consular services in Iran. Although these meetings were reportedly halted after the U.S. engaged in military actions against Iran in February, the illegal sharing of data reportedly continued, according to court filings.
Deportation Trends Before Military Conflicts
Before the onset of military hostilities, the Trump administration ramped up deportations to Iran. Kirkpatrick mentioned that attorneys from Public Citizen believe that information sharing was occurring based on testimonies from detainees. According to the claims made in the lawsuit, detainees reported meetings with senior officials from the Iranian Interests Bureau, who appeared to already possess details from their asylum applications.
Confidential Sources Confirm Data Sharing
Evidence for the lawsuit also includes confidential information purportedly from Iranian government officials who corroborated the data-sharing allegations; however, this testimony has not been independently verified by NPR. Kirkpatrick indicated that the organization intends to seek a preliminary injunction to immediately halt the sharing of such sensitive information and to inform those individuals whose data may have been disclosed.
Federal Response Remains Unclear
As of now, the Department of Homeland Security has not responded to inquiries about the alleged information sharing with Iran’s Office of Special Interests. Similarly, Iran’s mission to the United Nations has not provided any commentary on the matter.
Protective Regulations for Asylum Seekers
Federal regulations regarding asylum applications dictate that records held by the Department of Homeland Security and immigration courts are to remain confidential and protected from public disclosure. The regulations require that records must be safeguarded when transmitted to foreign authorities. The lawsuit specifically alleges that detailed information on hundreds of Iranian detainees, including personal backgrounds, family ties, and political beliefs, was shared without consent, undermining the confidentiality assurances that these individuals relied upon.
Asylum Seeker Protection vs. Government Disclosure
While intergovernmental communication regarding asylum applications is standard—primarily concerning travel logistics and documentation—the lawsuit draws attention to the problematic sharing of confidential application details. Kirkpatrick pointed out that the disclosure of asylum-related information represents a significant breach of regulations designed to protect vulnerable individuals, making it imperative to safeguard the identities and circumstances of those seeking refuge. With the Trump administration having already returned individuals to Iran, the implications for asylum seekers could be dire.
