US moves to deport 150-plus Afghans via Pakistan
Why it matters: Many targeted immigrants fled after the 2021 Taliban takeover, and advocates warn they could face retaliation in Afghanistan.
The Trump administration plans to deport some Afghan immigrants from the United States to Afghanistan, with removals expected to route through Pakistan because Washington lacks diplomatic ties with the Taliban. More than 150 Afghans could be expelled in what the New York Times described as one of the largest single removals of Afghan nationals. The report said dozens have been detained in Louisiana and that the first flight could leave as soon as Monday. Shawn VanDiver, who leads #AfghanEvac, said some of those facing deportation are relatives of Afghans who worked with US forces and could be at risk if returned. The Department of Homeland Security did not confirm future operations, citing security concerns.