U.S. prepares Afghan deportation despite persecution fears
The Trump administration is preparing a deportation flight that could send dozens of Afghan immigrants and asylum seekers to Pakistan as early as Monday, according to U.S. officials and advocates — raising fears many will then be returned to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan and face persecution.
The unannounced charter would be the first of its kind for Afghans held in the United States, NBC News reported, citing a senior administration official. The New York Times said more than 150 Afghans could be removed in one of the largest single expulsions of Afghans, with the first flight expected as soon as Monday.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. officials say a deportation flight to Pakistan could depart as early as Monday.
- More than 150 Afghan immigrants may be removed; many fled after the 2021 Taliban takeover.
- Washington lacks diplomatic ties with the Taliban, so removals are planned via Pakistan.
- Advocates warn Pakistan has expelled over 2 million Afghans since 2023, heightening return risk.
- Relatives of Afghans who aided U.S. forces are among those facing removal.
Why does the deportation route go through Pakistan?
A U.S. official said deportations would go through Pakistan because Washington cannot arrange removals directly to Afghanistan without diplomatic ties to the Taliban, according to Reuters.
The same official told NBC News a U.S. charter could not land in Pakistan without Islamabad’s knowledge and approval. Formal terms of any arrangement remain unclear.
Pakistan has hosted millions of Afghan refugees for decades but launched a crackdown in 2023. Reuters reported Pakistan has expelled over 2 million Afghan nationals to Afghanistan since then. Advocates say people sent there are unlikely to remain long.
Who is at risk of being sent back?
Those facing deportation may include people with final removal orders, denied asylum claims, and individuals whose temporary protected status was terminated, a senior administration official said.
AfghanEvac president Shawn VanDiver said many fled after the 2021 U.S. withdrawal and Taliban takeover. Some are “brothers and sons of men who served alongside US forces,” families the Taliban already has reason to target.
His group confirmed at least 80 Afghans were recently moved to Louisiana from 34 other ICE facilities, 19 without legal representation. The Central Louisiana ICE Processing Center has been used as a pre-deportation hub.
What have officials and advocates said about the risk?
VanDiver said Afghans flown from the United States would likely be viewed with suspicion by the Taliban and face persecution, imprisonment, or worse — whether or not they worked with U.S. forces.
A senior administration official said White House concern appeared limited: individuals without status in the U.S. were not the administration’s priority regarding what happens after removal. DHS declined to confirm removal operations for operational security reasons.
Immigration lawyers say third-country removals have been used more broadly; their legality is set for Supreme Court debate in December. For ongoing policy and risk coverage, see our Fintech & Crypto Alerts hub.
Why does this deportation plan matter now?
Advocates argue the move could endanger people with U.S. military ties and discourage future cooperation with American forces. VanDiver urged Congress to grant Afghans temporary protected status.
Pakistan’s government did not respond to comment requests in the NBC report. State Department messaging stressed that countries must manage borders for the safety and prosperity of their citizens, without announcing flight details.