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U.S. Deports Ukrainians to Ukraine via Polish Airport
Amnesty International and Human Rights First called on Polish authorities to stop facilitating U.S. deportation flights carrying Ukrainian nationals through Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport. The groups documented at least three flights since November 2025 that returned more than 50 people to an active war zone.
May 13, 5:36 AM·1m read2 sources
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement carried out at least two deportation operations via Poland in November 2025 and March 2026, deporting more than 50 people to Ukraine, according to Amnesty International and Human Rights First. A further flight carrying Ukrainians landed at Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport on April 30, 2026. The deportation flights departed from Phoenix, Arizona.
Amnesty International and Human Rights First wrote to Polish authorities on April 17, 2026, raising concerns about the flights. The two organizations issued a public call on May 13, 2026. "Forcibly transferring Ukrainians into an active war zone, where missiles strike nationwide, shocks the conscience and violates international law," said Uzra Zeya, CEO and president of Human Rights First.
"Polish authorities must investigate these incidents, establish the whereabouts of those affected and ensure they are protected from refoulement, treated with dignity, and provided with an effective remedy," said Anna Błaszczak-Banasiak, director of Amnesty International Poland.
Karolina Galecka, Polish Interior Ministry spokesperson, told Reuters that Poland has no agreement or arrangement with the United States regarding deportations. She described the matter as an internal issue between Ukraine and the United States. "Poland was only a transit point and was not directly involved," Galecka said.
Poland's Border Guard only carried out clearance procedures, she added. A Ukrainian citizen who is to be deported from the United States to Ukraine has no right to enter Poland, and a simple check is being carried out within the framework of statutory authority, Galecka stated.
