Lawsuit Challenges Alleged U.S. Sharing of Iranian Asylum Seekers’ Data

Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s Upcoming Testimony

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to testify at a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing. The event will take place in the Rayburn House Office Building on June 3, 2026. The testimony comes amid significant legal actions that have emerged in Washington, D.C.

Washington D.C. Lawsuit Filed Against Trump Administration

A new lawsuit has been filed, accusing the Trump administration of revealing information about Iranian asylum seekers to Iran’s government. Lawyers from the Public Citizen Litigation Group, known for their left-leaning stance, claim the administration started sharing application data with Iran in March 2025.

According to the complaint, U.S. officials have periodically sent or hand-delivered immigration files of Iranians in custody to Iran’s government.

Legal and Safety Concerns

Michael Kirkpatrick, an attorney from Public Citizen, emphasized that asylum applications are protected by law and cannot be shared, especially with governments that individuals are fleeing from. Kirkpatrick highlighted the severe risks involved for those returning to Iran.

Such disclosures could lead to detention, interrogation, imprisonment, torture, and risks to their families in Iran. The Public Citizen Litigation Group is representing the Iranian American Legal Defense Fund in this case.

Allegation of Information Sharing During Meetings

The lawsuit also claims that details from deportation relief and asylum applications were shared during monthly meetings between ICE and the Iranian Interests Section, responsible for consular duties in the U.S.

Although these meetings ceased after U.S. actions against Iran, document sharing allegedly continued. The Trump administration is reported to have increased deportations to Iran before the conflict.

Detainee Testimonies and Confidential Sources

Public Citizen attorneys base their claims on detainee testimonies. Detainees reported meetings with Iran Interest Section officials, who were aware of details within their asylum claims.

The lawsuit also cites confidential information from an Iranian government official confirming the data-sharing policy, though NPR has not independently verified this testimony.

The organization intends to seek a preliminary injunction to halt information sharing temporarily and notify those whose information was shared.

Lack of Responses and Regulatory Protections

The Homeland Security Department and the Iranian Mission to the United Nations declined to comment. Federal regulations require asylum application records to be confidential. Records held by the Homeland Security Department and immigration courts must be safeguarded, and the State Department is responsible for maintaining confidentiality if transmitted abroad.

Extent of Shared Information

The lawsuit alleges sharing of confidential information concerning hundreds of Iranian asylum seekers, including identifying details, familial ties, political views, and fears of the Iranian government.

Detainees shared this information under the assumption it would remain confidential, yet met with Iranian Interest Section officials without consent.

Information sharing between governments for asylum applications is typical, limited to facilitating return arrangements, like travel documents. However, revealing asylum application data breaches confidentiality.

Potential Risk Factors

Kirkpatrick highlighted how revealing such details could endanger individuals. This includes concerns related to pro-democracy demonstrations, LGBTQ affiliations, or conversion to Christianity, posing a persecution risk in Iran.

The Trump administration reportedly deported three flights carrying over 100 people to Iran. Some were deported to third countries such as Panama and the Central African Republic.