Judge pauses deportation of detained Afghans to Afghanistan or Pakistan

A federal judge in New York issued a temporary order stopping the administration from deporting detained Afghans to Afghanistan or Pakistan. The directive follows warnings from lawmakers and advocacy groups that returning these individuals would expose them to severe dangers such as torture, persecution, or death.

Court documents indicated that removal flights originating from Louisiana processing facilities toward Pakistan were planned. Government representatives informed the court that Immigration and Customs Enforcement had no scheduled flights to those countries until the end of the week, and the judge's order mandates that officials follow this statement.

The temporary restriction is set to expire on Saturday. Advocacy organizations and attorneys representing the detainees noted that those affected include women, religious minorities, former police officers, and individuals with family ties to the U.S. military who fled Afghanistan after aiding American operations.

Afghanistan's foreign ministry expressed concern over the planned transfers, while groups like AfghanEvac and Human Rights First described the judicial pause as a temporary reprieve rather than a permanent solution. Advocates remain vigilant to ensure no removal flights take place while legal challenges continue.