US prepares to deport over 150 Afghans via Pakistan; rights groups warn of Taliban reprisals
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is preparing to deport more than 150 Afghan nationals from the United States to Afghanistan through Pakistan. Court documents indicate that the first charter flight could leave Louisiana as early as November 2, while refugee and human-rights groups say the move could place deportees at serious risk. Those reportedly affected…
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration is preparing to deport more than 150 Afghan nationals from the United States to Afghanistan through Pakistan. Court documents indicate that the first charter flight could leave Louisiana as early as November 2, while refugee and human-rights groups say the move could place deportees at serious risk.
Those reportedly affected include relatives of Afghans who worked with US forces or aid organizations, as well as asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants. Lawyers and advocacy groups warn that returnees could face detention, abuse or retaliation under Taliban rule.
Because Washington has no diplomatic relations with the Taliban, it cannot send deportees directly to Kabul. The administration has therefore arranged for them to be flown first to Pakistan, from where they are expected to be transferred onward to Afghanistan.
Human Rights First said it had confirmed a scheduled flight from Louisiana to Pakistan and described the plan as an unprecedented mass deportation that would send Afghans “into the hands of the Taliban.” The group also said the US may be considering a separate removal flight for Iranian nationals through Pakistan.
The Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on future removal operations, flight schedules or passenger lists. Pakistan has already been expelling large numbers of Afghan refugees since 2023, intensifying concerns among rights organizations about the new arrangement.
