The Trump administration is preparing to deport Afghans through Pakistan
The Trump administration plans to deport Afghan immigrants detained in Louisiana to Afghanistan through Pakistan, The New York Times reported; NBC News said a proposed flight could go to Pakistan. The Times said more than 150 people are expected to be deported, with a flight possibly departing Nov. 2. Global Refuge warned the move could set a precedent.
More context
The Trump administration is preparing to deport Afghans, with reports describing Pakistan as both a destination and a route for removals to Afghanistan. The New York Times, citing three U.S. officials, reported that dozens are detained in Louisiana and that more than 150 Afghans are expected to be deported, according to one official. It said the first flight could leave as soon as Nov. 2 and that Pakistan would oversee the group’s expulsion across the border. NBC News separately reported that a proposed flight to Pakistan, not publicly announced, could leave as early as Monday, citing rights advocates and detainees’ families. Those facing removal include relatives of Afghans who worked with the U.S. military and at least one gay man, the Times reported. Global Refuge warned that an unchallenged flight could make later removals easier.
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Verifier’s note
NBC News reports the administration is preparing a flight to Pakistan and that detainees could be returned to Taliban-ruled Afghanistan; The New York Times reports the same planned expulsion, describing Pakistan as the route for sending the group across the border to Afghanistan. Global Refuge also refers to the plan and the risk of return to Taliban rule, though its result is a press release rather than independent reporting.