US plans to deport detained Afghans via Pakistan, court papers show

The Trump administration is preparing to deport Afghans detained in the United States to Afghanistan by first sending them to Pakistan, court documents obtained by the Associated Press reveal.

According to sealed filings in federal courts in Virginia and Oklahoma, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has scheduled charter flights from detention facilities in Alexandria, Louisiana, to Pakistan, with onward transport to Afghanistan planned for the following week.

Advocacy groups warn the scheme could place the deportees at risk of retaliation from the Taliban, noting that many fled Afghanistan after assisting US military and aid operations. Human Rights First confirmed a flight from Louisiana to Pakistan is set for Tuesday, describing the plan as “beyond egregious.”

The US Department of Homeland Security declined to comment on the operation, citing operational security. Officials at the Pakistani Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to inquiries.

Democratic members of Congress have criticised the move on social media, calling it “reprehensible” and highlighting concerns for women, children and former US‑supported personnel who could face danger upon return.

Source: ABC News. Photo: Tom Fisk / Pexels.