ICE Deported Iranians from Mesa to Tehran During Crackdown on Dissidents

Concerns raised over increase in deportation flights out of Mesa Gateway Airport

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cinematic painting of a solitary deportation van parked on a dimly lit city street, the vehicle's silhouette casting long shadows across the pavement as warm sunlight streams in from the side, conceptually illustrating the somber mood and uncertainty surrounding increased deportations.As immigration enforcement ramps up, the use of Mesa Gateway Airport as a deportation hub raises concerns about the treatment and safety of those being sent back to their home countries.Phoenix Today

The Department of Homeland Security has been increasingly using the Mesa Gateway Airport as a deportation hub, with the number of flights and people deported from the airport rising dramatically over the past two years. This includes a flight on January 25th that deported 11 Iranian citizens to Tehran, which raised concerns as it came during a time of mass protests in Iran.

Why it matters

The deportation of Iranian citizens to Tehran during a period of political unrest and crackdown on dissidents in Iran has raised concerns about the treatment and safety of those individuals upon their return. The increasing use of the Mesa Gateway Airport as a deportation hub also highlights broader questions about the scope and implementation of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement policies.

The details

Data obtained from the Deportation Data Project shows that the number of flights and people deported from Mesa Gateway Airport has risen from around 4,500 in 2024 to 5,800 in 2025. The deportees ranged in age from young children to senior citizens, some with criminal records in the U.S. and others with no criminal history, and were sent to countries around the world. The January 25th flight that deported 11 Iranian citizens to Tehran included political dissidents, Christians, and others who could be at risk in Iran.

  • The number of flights and deportations from Mesa Gateway Airport has increased dramatically over the past two years, from around 4,500 people in 2024 to 5,800 in 2025.
  • On January 25, 2026, 11 Iranian citizens were deported from Mesa Gateway Airport to Tehran.

The players

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency responsible for immigration enforcement and deportations.

Savi Arvey

The director of research and analysis for refugee and immigrant rights at Human Rights First, who tracks deportation flights and collects information about the people on board.

Andy Biggs

A Republican Congressman whose district includes Mesa, Arizona.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There were political dissidents. There were Christians. There were profiles of people who would definitely kind of be, you know, at risk back in Iran.”

— Savi Arvey, Director of research and analysis for refugee and immigrant rights, Human Rights First

“Congressman Biggs is confident Secretary Mullin and his team are balancing the tasks of deporting violent criminals while respecting basic rights, but they need resources to get the job done. If there is concern from citizens over how DHS is going about their important work, they should call on Democrats to fund the agency and let law enforcement agents effectively and responsibly do their jobs.”

— Drew Sexton, Senior advisor to Congressman Andy Biggs

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.