Politics · India Bureau
US court halts Trump administration's plan to deport detained Afghans
A federal judge in New York has temporarily blocked the Trump administration's efforts to deport Afghan nationals detained in the United States, citing concerns over their safety. The temporary restraining order remains in effect until Saturday, with no deportations scheduled before then.
LSN India ·
Judge Valerie Caproni issued the temporary order on Tuesday after immigrant rights advocates and dozens of members of the U.S. Congress raised alarms about the deportation plan. The administration had planned to send the detained Afghans to either Afghanistan or Pakistan.
A letter signed by 65 members of the House and Senate, led by California Democratic Representative Scott Peters, warned that deporting these individuals would expose them to "persecution, torture, or even death." The letter was sent Monday to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin. Immigrant rights organizations have similarly cautioned that those deported could face retaliation from the Taliban.
Many of the detained Afghans are among thousands who fled Afghanistan after the U.S. military withdrawal, having assisted American military personnel and aid organizations during the conflict. These individuals feared persecution in their home country and sought refuge in the United States.