A US official and organisations supporting Afghan evacuees say Washington plans to deport some Afghan immigrants to Afghanistan, according to a Reuters report published on 31 October 2026. The Department of Homeland Security declined to confirm future removal operations, citing operational security. This is a reported plan, not a confirmed completed deportation.
What is known about the plan?
Reuters reported that the plans were described by a US official and groups representing veterans and Afghan evacuees. An official said any transfer would be routed through Pakistan because the United States does not maintain direct diplomatic relations with Afghanistan's Taliban authorities.
The New York Times, cited by Reuters, reported that more than 150 Afghans could be affected and that dozens had been detained in Louisiana. These figures are attributed to the newspaper rather than a confirmed US government passenger list. The date of any removal operation and the eventual number of people affected remain uncertain.
Why are advocates concerned?
Shawn VanDiver of #AfghanEvac said some people facing removal had fled Afghanistan after the Taliban's 2021 return to power and have family members who served alongside US forces. Advocacy groups argue that some returnees could face threats. The specific legal and protection circumstances of each individual case were not established in the Reuters report.
VanDiver urged US lawmakers to consider temporary protected status for Afghans. The Trump administration says its tougher immigration enforcement is intended to improve security; rights advocates have raised due-process concerns.
What has not been confirmed?
The available reporting does not document a completed flight, a verified passenger count, or final legal decisions in each case. The Department of Homeland Security said it would not confirm future removal operations.