First Thing: Democrats express ‘grave concerns’ over secretive ICE deportation flights

Letter follows a Guardian investigation into irregular ways the Trump administration was transporting detainees. Plus, top World Cup tickets to retail at almost $33,000

Good morning.

A group of 40 House Democrats have described “grave concerns” over the Trump administration’s secretive program of deportation flights and demanded that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) address allegations of mistreatment and inhumane conditions on ICE charter jets.

By how much have deportation flights increased under Donald Trump? The number of ICE flights during 2025 has surged by 84% compared with 2024, according to monitoring by human rights groups.

What has Tehran said? Trump’s latest comments came after oil prices jumped again when Iran said there would be no further talks about ending the blockade unless he accepted its terms.

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