US plans deportation of more than 150 Afghans via Pakistan

Politics · First reported 31 Oct, 01:16 · Updated 09:57

Image: Wikimedia Commons · NASA Johnson Space Center · Public domain

The Trump administration is reported to be planning to deport more than 150 Afghan immigrants to Afghanistan through Pakistan. The reports cite risks raised by advocates and describe Pakistan’s role in the removals.

The New York Times reported, citing three unnamed US officials, that more than 150 Afghans are expected to be deported; the first flight could leave as soon as Monday.
The reported group includes relatives of Afghans who assisted the US military, according to AfghanEvac.
US officials told the Times that Pakistan would oversee the Afghans’ expulsion, as the United States cannot arrange deportations directly to Afghanistan.
Advocates warn that people returned to Afghanistan could face danger from Taliban authorities. The article notes UN reports of extrajudicial killings, detentions and abuses.
A separate brief report also says more than 150 Afghan immigrants are expected to be deported; another says dozens have been detained in Louisiana.