**Title: US Deports Afghan Relative of Military Collaborators to Central African Republic**
**Date: August 30, 2026**
The United States has deported an Afghan man to the Central African Republic (CAR), despite his family's history of collaboration with the US military. This action, part of a broader immigration enforcement strategy under the administration of former President Donald Trump, has raised concerns among advocacy groups about the safety and future of individuals with ties to US military efforts in Afghanistan.
The Afghan man, identified only as Khalil, is in his early 20s and had previously been granted protection against deportation to Afghanistan by a US judge. This protection was based on credible fears of persecution from the Taliban, which has regained control over Afghanistan since 2021. Khalil's lawyer, Alma David, emphasized that his family has faced threats due to their support of US military operations. His brothers have been directly involved in military service, with one serving in the Afghan National Army and another having been a US-trained pilot who was subsequently killed by the Taliban.
Khalil's deportation has been confirmed by various advocacy organizations, including AfghanEvac, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and Human Rights First. These groups have expressed alarm over the implications of such deportations, particularly for individuals like Khalil, who have risked their lives to assist US forces.
The flight that transported Khalil and others landed in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, on Saturday. This particular deportation flight included 12 Afghans, eight Iranians, and several individuals from Nepal and Nicaragua. According to Savi Arvey, director of policy, refugee, and immigrant rights at Human Rights First, this marks the third deportation flight to CAR this year.
The US government's approach to immigration enforcement has involved sending individuals to third countries where they often have no established ties. This strategy has been part of a broader crackdown on immigration, which has faced criticism for its potential to place vulnerable individuals in precarious situations. The State Department currently advises against travel to the Central African Republic due to significant risks, including civil unrest, crime, kidnapping, health hazards, and terrorism.
Khalil's case highlights the complex challenges faced by individuals who have assisted US military efforts abroad, particularly in regions where they may face retaliation from hostile groups. The deportation raises questions about the responsibilities of the US government towards those who have supported its operations and the potential consequences of their removal to unsafe environments.
As the situation unfolds, advocacy groups continue to call for a reassessment of deportation policies, particularly for individuals with documented risks of persecution. The deportation of Khalil serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many who have been caught in the crossfire of international conflicts and immigration policies.