The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghans held in U.S. immigration
detention are being notified of plans to deport them to Pakistan, according to
a federal government official familiar with the plans, as well as lawyers and
advocacy organizations who have heard concerns from detained clients.
A potential deportation flight, which has not been publicly
announced, is expected to depart in the coming weeks, according to Bloomberg
Law.
Among those reportedly told by immigration officers that
they would be on the flight are relatives of Afghans who worked with the U.S.
military before the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021, according to
AfghanEvac, an advocacy organization that supports Afghans who assisted U.S.
forces.
The reported plans have raised concerns among advocates and
attorneys about the fate of Afghans who fear being returned to a country where
they could face uncertainty over their safety and legal status.
The developments could have significant implications for
Afghans who came to the United States after the Taliban regained control of
Afghanistan, particularly family members of former Afghan partners of the U.S.
military who may be seeking protection.
Bloomberg Law reported the potential deportation plans,
citing people familiar with the matter and accounts from attorneys and advocacy
groups.
Further details about the proposed flight, including the
number of people expected to be deported and the timing of the departure, were
not immediately available.