Following the signing of an executive order by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the deportation of illegal migrants, the United States may retain several Russians who have fled from the aggressor state.
Russian Telegram channels report on three prominent figures who may face deportation: comedian Danila Poperechny, blogger Alexander Shpak, and streamer Ilya Medisson.
All three have applied for asylum in the U.S. after crossing the border from Mexico and were awaiting temporary entry permits through an expedited process.
Danila Poperechny previously had a three-year entry ban to Ukraine due to his anti-Ukrainian stance. After the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion, he condemned the aggression and left the Russian Federation, stating he would not financially support either side of the conflict to "not be complicit in deaths."
Ilya Medisson had planned to visit occupied Donbas in 2022 but left Russia following the announcement of mobilization. Despite this, he considers himself a "patriot" and openly supports the occupiers.
Alexander Shpak publicly condemned Russian aggression and expressed his support for Ukraine. After the explosion of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Plant, he accused the Russian military, leading to a criminal case being opened against him in Russia.
Trump's order could result in the deportation of these individuals who left Russia but still remain at risk due to violations of immigration rules.