On March 28, 2026, several dozen Russian nationals were deported from the United States. Under President Donald Trump, such flights have become a regular practice, Novaya Gazeta Europe reported, and in some cases deportation has already been followed by criminal prosecution after return to Russia.
The outlet recounts the stories of people who, after difficult emigration, detention in US immigration facilities and deportation, are again trying to find a safe country. They include spouses Ekaterina and Pavel Rakityansky and a Russian man identified as Alexander, who managed to avoid removal to Russia and be sent to a third country instead.
The Rakityanskys' case
The couple from Rostov-on-Don took part in protests in support of Alexei Navalny, opposed the war and, according to Ekaterina, left after Pavel received threats in 2024. In September that year they flew to Tijuana hoping to apply through CBP One, but after changes in US migration policy the program effectively stopped functioning.
“They immediately put us in chains and started processing us,” Ekaterina recalled, saying the couple were made to sign expedited removal papers at the border without the contents being explained.
After detention they were separated: Pavel was sent to a facility in California, while Ekaterina was transferred to Arizona and later to Louisiana and New Mexico. She describes a harsh regime, poor communication, degrading transport procedures and an interview focused on proof of past physical violence, even though her fear concerned the risk of persecution and mobilization in Russia.
Alexander's case
Alexander, who was also seeking protection, repeatedly refused to sign return papers and told ICE officers he feared being sent to Russia. After his case officer was changed, he was offered deportation to Moldova; he later flew on to Uruguay, where he is now applying for asylum again and looking for work.
Even after leaving Russia, the people interviewed by the newspaper, the editors note, do not feel safe and are often unwilling to disclose the full details of their cases.