Human Rights Groups Urge Poland to Block U.S. Deportations to Ukraine War Zone

Human rights groups are calling on Poland to block U.S. deportation flights that send Ukrainians back to a war zone. On May 14, 2026, Amnesty International and Human Rights First sent a letter to Poland’s leaders. They want the country to stop letting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, use its airports and borders for these transfers.

The groups point to flights landing in Poland before deportees cross into Ukraine. They argue this practice puts lives at risk amid ongoing attacks. Ukraine faces missile strikes and fighting across the country, making returns dangerous.

Deportation Routes Through Poland

ICE has used Poland as a key stop for deporting Ukrainians. The main spots are Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport and the Shehyni border crossing. These locations link U.S. flights to ground transport into Ukraine.

Records show this route in action multiple times. It starts with people removed from the U.S., then moves through Poland, and ends with entry into Ukraine. Human rights groups say Poland does more than just allow passage. They claim it aids a system that ignores the war’s dangers.

Key ICE Operations Identified

Amnesty International and Human Rights First listed specific flights. On November 19, 2025, ICE deported 50 Ukrainians, including 45 men and 5 women. That group flew into Rzeszów-Jasionka Airport and crossed at Shehyni.

In March 2026, another operation sent more than 50 people the same way. Then, on April 30, 2026, an ICE flight landed at Rzeszów-Jasionka with an unknown number of Ukrainians. These events span months, showing a repeated path.

Public details on U.S.-Poland deals are limited. No formal agreement appeared by late 2025. Still, the flights happened, raising questions about quiet arrangements.

Warnings from Human Rights Leaders

Uzra Zeya, CEO of Human Rights First, called the transfers shocking. She said forcing Ukrainians into a war zone with nationwide missile strikes breaks international law. Zeya stressed duties countries have when moving people across borders.

Eleanor Acer, a senior director at the group, agreed. She noted armed conflict and deadly air attacks make Ukraine unsafe for returns now. Their words focus on real threats, not just travel paths.

The groups also demand probes into these events. They want protection from refoulement, which means sending someone back to harm. They call for fair treatment and fixes for those already deported.

Ukraine’s Ongoing Risks

The United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, backs the concerns. After a deadly attack in western Ukraine, it warned that no part of the country is safe. UNHCR advises against forced returns of Ukrainians, even those denied asylum.

Missiles hit everywhere, from cities to rural areas. Aerial attacks kill and destroy without warning. These conditions make any return to Ukraine a high-risk move.

Poland’s Stance on Its Role

Poland says it only acts as a transit point. Officials claim they do not choose who gets deported. The U.S. makes those calls, and Poland just lets flights and buses pass through.

This view separates Poland’s help from the final decision. Yet critics say knowing the destination changes things. Once risks are clear, they argue, Poland should block the route.

The letter targets Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anna Błaszczak-Banasiak. It asks her to end cooperation and review past approvals.

Calls to End the Practice

Amnesty International and Human Rights First label the deportations cruel. They tie them to a larger U.S. removal push under the Trump administration. The groups want Poland to deny future use of its land.

Their letter mixes facts, law, and current events. Dates, places, and numbers build a clear case. It presses for action before another flight repeats the process.

Poland faces a choice. Continue as a quiet link, or step in to protect people from war. The appeal tests how nations handle transit during conflict.

Conclusion

Human rights groups have made a strong case against using Poland for ICE deportations to Ukraine. With clear routes, named flights, and war risks on record, the pressure builds. Poland must weigh its transit role against global duties. As attacks continue, quick steps could prevent more harm and set a standard for border aid.