ICE planning to deport Afghans through Pakistan, official says, prompting fears for their safety
A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting dozens of detained Afghans back to Afghanistan through Pakistan. The proposed removals triggered intense outcry from human rights advocates, lawmakers, and refugees who warned the individuals would face persecution or a death sentence under Taliban rule. Following the legal intervention and public pressure, U.S. authorities grounded the initial deportation flights that were slated to depart from Louisiana facilities.
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- ✓ A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting dozens of detained Afghans to Afghanistan through Pakistan.
- ✓ U.S. authorities grounded a flight that would have sent Afghans back to Taliban-controlled territory.
- ✓ Advocacy groups and U.S. lawmakers warned that deporting the individuals would endanger their lives and subject them to persecution.
- ✓ The Trump administration planned to deport the detained Afghan immigrants on flights originating from Louisiana facilities.
What changed
A federal court intervened to temporarily halt the scheduled removals after initial flights were already grounded.
Live updates
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Federal Court Halts U.S. Deportation of Afghans
A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting dozens of detained Afghans back to Afghanistan through Pakistan. The proposed removals triggered intense outcry from human rights advocates, lawmakers, and refugees who warned the individuals would face persecution or a death sentence under Taliban rule. Following the legal intervention and public pressure, U.S. authorities grounded the initial deportation flights that were slated to depart from Louisiana facilities.
Why it matters
The aborted flights highlight ongoing tensions surrounding the safety of former allies and Afghan nationals residing in the United States following the Taliban takeover. Advocacy groups and legislators pressured the administration to halt the process over grave humanitarian concerns. The Taliban also expressed serious concern regarding the deportation proposals.
What is confirmed
- A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deporting dozens of detained Afghans to Afghanistan through Pakistan.
- U.S. authorities grounded a flight that would have sent Afghans back to Taliban-controlled territory.
- Advocacy groups and U.S. lawmakers warned that deporting the individuals would endanger their lives and subject them to persecution.
- The Trump administration planned to deport the detained Afghan immigrants on flights originating from Louisiana facilities.
Still unconfirmed
- The Taliban voiced serious concern over the reported U.S. deportation plans via Pakistan.
What to watch next
- Further rulings from the federal court regarding the legality of the deportation plans
- Decisions from the Trump administration on whether to pursue alternative routes or legal avenues for the removals
- Official responses from Pakistani authorities concerning the transit of deportees
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (15)
- The New York Times — U.S. to Send Dozens Back to Afghanistan, Despite Risk of Persecution
- CBS News — ICE planning to deport Afghans through Pakistan, official says, prompting fears for their safety
- PBS — Advocates warn Afghans deported by U.S. will face 'certain death' under Taliban
- Al Jazeera — US lawmakers ask Trump administration to stop deportation of Afghans
- Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty — Taliban Concerned Amid Reports Of US Deportation Of Afghans Via Pakistan
- www.cbsnews.com — ICE planning to deport Afghans through Pakistan, official ...
- www.euronews.com — Taliban voices 'serious concern' over US plans to deport ...
- MLive.com — ‘A death sentence:’ Michigan refugee could be deported to Taliban-controlled Afghanistan
- The New York Times — Deportation of Dozens of Afghans Blocked by Federal Court, for Now
- WRAL — Federal judge temporarily blocks Trump plan to deport detained Afghans to Afghanistan
- USA Today — After outcry, US ground flight that would have sent Afghans to the Taliban
- www.military.com — US Plans to Deport Afghans Back to Their Home Country Through ...
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