Trump Administration Plans Deportation of More Than 150 Afghans, Advocates Say

The administration of US President Donald Trump is preparing to deport more than 150 Afghan immigrants, including people who fled Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021, according to a US official and groups representing Afghan refugees.

The New York Times reported that the planned operation could become one of the largest single deportations of Afghans from the United States. Dozens of Afghan immigrants have reportedly been detained in Louisiana ahead of their removal, with the first flight expected to depart soon, possibly on Monday.

A US official said the deportations would be carried out through Pakistan because Washington cannot arrange direct removals to Afghanistan. The United States does not maintain diplomatic relations with the Taliban administration, which took control of the country following the withdrawal of US forces in August 2021.

Sean VanDeveer, head of Afghan Evac, said many of those facing deportation had left Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover. Some, he added, were relatives of Afghans who had worked alongside American forces and could face reprisals if returned.

VanDeveer said some of the people at risk were “brothers and sons of men who served alongside US forces”, adding that their families already had reasons to fear being targeted by the Taliban.

He urged Congress to pass legislation granting Afghan residents in the United States temporary protected status, which would provide safeguards against deportation.

The Department of Homeland Security declined to confirm whether future deportations were planned, citing operational security considerations.

Trump has defended his administration’s tougher immigration policies, arguing that stricter enforcement and deportations are necessary to improve domestic security. His government has expanded immigration enforcement as part of a broader effort to remove people it considers to be unlawfully residing in the country.

However, human rights organisations and refugee advocates have criticised the measures, raising concerns about due process, freedom of expression and the treatment of vulnerable communities. Some minority groups have also reported fears of racial profiling and discrimination under the administration’s enforcement approach.

The proposed deportations have drawn particular attention because many Afghans who entered the United States after 2021 had sought protection following the Taliban takeover. Some had links to US military operations or had family members who supported American forces during the two-decade conflict.

The planned operation also comes amid continued pressure on Afghan nationals in neighbouring countries. Pakistan has deported more than two million Afghans to their home country since 2023, according to the figures provided.

The proposed US removals would add to the challenges facing Afghans who have sought safety abroad, while raising questions about the arrangements and protections available to those returned to a country governed by the Taliban.