Calls grow for Poland to halt role in transit of Ukrainian deportations from US

Amnesty International and Human Rights First have called on Polish authorities to stop any potential involvement in the transit of deportations of Ukrainian citizens from the United States to their country of origin, according to Polish media.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has already carried out at least two such flights — in November 2025 and in March this year — during which more than 50 people were deported to Ukraine. The rights groups claim the routes passed through Poland, including Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport, and argue that forced returns to a country affected by war constitute a violation of international law.

“Forced transfer of Ukrainians into an active war zone where missiles are falling across the country is a shock to the conscience,” Uzra Zeya, CEO and President of Human Rights First, said, calling on Warsaw to refrain from involvement in such operations.

The organisations say they sent inquiries to Polish authorities on April 17 regarding the flights, but received no response.

Polish officials state that there is no agreement with the United States on deportations and that Poland does not directly participate in such operations. The Interior Ministry added that it treats the matter as an internal issue between the US and Ukraine, with Poland only providing transit and conducting clearance checks.

Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport and Polish authorities have not commented on the allegations. Rights groups are calling for an investigation into the fate of those deported.

By Jeyhun Aghazada