US deports dozens of Russians as first flight heads to Moscow
Photo: Russians denied asylum deported from the US (Getty Images)
A deportation flight carrying Russians and other refugees has left the United States, marking the first such operation of 2026, according to Radio Svoboda.
"This morning, a deportation flight departed from Mesa, Arizona, carrying Russians whose asylum requests were denied in the US," Dmytro Valuyev, head of the Russian America for Democracy in Russia, said.
According to media reports, this is the fifth mass deportation flight in the past year and the first in 2026. Previous deportations of Russians occurred in June, August, and December 2025.
The exact number of Russians on board is unknown, but about 20 individuals were being prepared for deportation as of January 24. The flight also includes citizens from Iran and refugees from Arab countries.
Valuyev noted that some people whose asylum applications were still under review were removed from the flight before departure. Some Russians were held in overcrowded detention cells prior to deportation.
Trump's immigration policy
US President Donald Trump has signaled plans for new immigration restrictions, including expanding the list of countries whose citizens are barred from entering the US.
He also announced intentions to radically intensify enforcement against illegal immigration in 2026.
This aggressive immigration control policy began following his return to the White House, citing high levels of illegal immigration under the previous administration.
Federal raids have already sparked protests and lawsuits over violent methods and racial profiling. Additional measures could significantly affect the economy, jobs, and the political landscape ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
In Charlotte, North Carolina, federal immigration agents conducted a large-scale operation, detaining at least 81 individuals for immigration violations.
