US sent 104 Afghans back to Afghanistan, data shows

At least 104 Afghan nationals have been deported from the United States to Afghanistan since October 2022, according to newly analysed federal data, raising concerns over the safety of returnees under Taliban rule.

The figures, based on analysis of federal removal data compiled by the “Deportation Data Project” and reviewed by KabulNow, show that a total of 1,156 Afghans were deported from the United States between October 2022 and March 2026, with most sent to third countries rather than directly back to Afghanistan.

The data highlights growing concerns over the treatment of Afghan asylum seekers, as deportation policies increasingly collide with humanitarian obligations and protection risks.

Despite ongoing warnings from human rights groups, deportations have continued, even as returnees may face serious threats. International organizations have documented cases of arbitrary detention, abuse and reprisals against individuals linked to former government structures or foreign forces.

A key finding shows that criminal history played almost no role in removals. Around 97 percent of Afghan deportees were classified as immigration violators, with no convictions or pending criminal charges.

Among the 104 individuals returned directly to Afghanistan, 87 had no criminal record at all, while only 14 had convictions and three were facing unresolved legal cases.

Most of those sent back; 92 individuals — had final removal orders. However, 12 were deported without such orders, raising questions among legal experts about due process and procedural safeguards.

The majority of removals were carried out rapidly. Nearly 90 percent of cases were categorized as “inadmissible,” meaning individuals were expelled without entering full immigration court proceedings, often shortly after being stopped at or near the U.S. border.

Enforcement actions were largely conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with many Afghan migrants detained at entry points and processed through fast-track administrative procedures instead of lengthy legal hearings.

The figures also show a broader trend in deportations. Cases rose from 240 in 2023 to 478 in 2024, before slightly declining to 402 in 2025, reflecting tighter migration controls and enforcement measures.

Most Afghan deportees were not sent directly to Afghanistan. Over 80 percent were transferred to third countries, particularly Canada, often via land routes rather than direct flights — a process that does not necessarily ensure long-term protection.

Canadian data indicates that 393 Afghan nationals were deported from Canada in 2023 alone, suggesting that some individuals may face repeated displacement or eventual return to Afghanistan.

Overall, the findings suggest that deportation often marks the beginning of further uncertainty, exposing many Afghans to continued instability, legal insecurity and the risk of future forced return.

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