Philly-Afghan Info Hub Weekly Newsletter - Jan 23, 2026

Welcome to the Philly-Afghan Info Hub Newsletter! This week, we bring you the most important news affecting immigrants in the United States, as well as updates from Afghanistan and the Afghan diaspora. From developments in local communities and U.S. immigration to human rights, humanitarian aid and women’s empowerment in Afghanistan, our goal is to keep you informed and connected.

U.S. / National News

1. Minneapolis ICE Protests (Immigration Alert)

• Protests continue in Minneapolis after the death of Renee Good on Jan. 7, escalating tensions around Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices.
• DHS sent additional immigration officers in response to alleged fraud within Minnesota’s Somali community.
• In Columbia Heights, a 5-year-old boy, along with his father, who was legally in the U.S. as an asylum applicant, was detained. They were sent to a family detention center in Texas.
• On Jan. 22, three protesters were arrested at a church demonstration, including civil rights attorney Nekima Levy Armstrong.

Why it matters:These events show how immigration enforcement can directly impact families, including children, even those legally in the U.S. It’s important for immigrant communities to stay informed about enforcement policies and local responses.

2. U.S. Attempt to acquire Greenland (Geopolitics)

• President Donald Trump has been negotiating a deal to gain access to Greenland, a territory near the U.S. with valuable natural resources.
• Greenland is self-governing under Denmark, whose leaders, as well as Greenland’s own leaders, have expressed concerns about U.S. control.
• Recently, Trump proposed a deal giving the U.S. access to Greenland, though details are not yet public.

Why it matters:

Understanding the U.S. foreign policy helps immigrant communities stay informed about international decisions that could influence global relations and economic interests. 

Philadelphia / Local News

1. Winter Storm Warning

• A snowstorm is expected this weekend, to bring significant snowfall to the Greater Philadelphia area. Local authorities have issued an Enhanced Code Blue to protect people experiencing homelessness.

Why it matters:Residents should prepare for snow-related disruptions and know about available emergency services, shelters, and city support during the storm.

2. Philadelphia School Closings

• The Philadelphia School District wants to close 20 schools in 2027 due to low enrollment and building conditions. Students would be relocated to other schools, while some buildings may be repurposed.

Why it matters:Families, including immigrant communities, may need to adjust school and transportation plans. While these changes may come with some challenges, they also have the potential to improve the overall quality of education in the city.

Afghanistan / Diaspora News

1. Khadija Ahmadzada Released from Taliban Detention

• Local sources in Herat confirm that Khadija Ahmadzada, a Taekwondo coach, has been released after 13 days in Taliban detention.
• Ahmadzada was initially arrested in Herat’s Jebraeil neighborhood by Taliban morality police. She was sentenced to 13 days in prison by the Taliban’s city court for allegedly violating their “morality” laws.
• Her arrest sparked widespread reactions online, with citizens calling for her release through social media campaigns.
• Since retaking power, the Taliban have restricted women’s sports and imposed broad limits on women’s human rights and freedoms.

Why it matters: This story highlights ongoing challenges for women in Afghanistan and the importance of community advocacy. It also shows why Afghan diaspora communities stay engaged with developments in Afghanistan, especially regarding women’s rights.

2. Afghan Allies Left in Limbo

• More than 1,100 Afghan evacuees living at Camp As-Sayliyah, a U.S.-run base in Doha, Qatar, will be forced to leave the camp by March 31, according to the U.S. State Department.
• Many of the evacuees were relocated after the 2021 Taliban takeover and have since remained stuck in legal and bureaucratic limbo.
• U.S. officials say the camp will fully close by the end of the fiscal year and that Afghans will be moved to unspecified third countries.
• Afghan residents report being told they may be relocated to African countries or parts of Central or South America, raising concerns about safety, jobs, and education.
• The U.S. government claims the camp was a result of rushed evacuations, but advocacy groups strongly reject this, saying evacuees were thoroughly vetted.
• More than half of the camp’s population are women and children, including 150 family members of U.S. military personnel.
• U.S. refugee and visa programs for Afghans are currently paused, leaving many with no clear pathway forward.
• Some evacuees have been offered cash incentives to return to Afghanistan, despite ongoing fears of persecution under Taliban rule.
• Advocacy groups warn that without restored resettlement programs, Afghan allies face years of displacement, detention, or forced return.

Why it matters: The fate of Afghan allies in limbo raises questions about safety, responsibility, and the future of U.S. resettlement commitments, with direct consequences for Afghan families and diaspora communities.

3. UK Provides £8 Million to Fight Child Malnutrition in Afghanistan

• The United Kingdom is providing £8 million to UNICEF, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Food Programme to combat rising child malnutrition in Afghanistan.
• Funds will be used through the “First Foods in Afghanistan” initiative, which aims to improve access for children aged 6–23 months to safe, nutritious, and affordable complementary foods.
• Over 150,000 children under two are expected to benefit directly, and more than 640,000 caregivers and community members indirectly.
• UNICEF representative Tajuddin Oyole noted that nearly 80% of children affected by malnutrition are under two years old, a critical stage for growth and development.
• This support strengthens systems to ensure children and mothers receive proper nutrition, especially as forecasts suggest that in 2026, around 3.7 million children under five, and 1.2 million pregnant or breastfeeding women, will face acute malnutrition.

Why it matters: This humanitarian aid highlights the urgent need for nutrition support in Afghanistan. For the diaspora, it emphasizes ongoing international efforts to protect vulnerable children and families back home.

4. Thousands of Afghan Migrants Returned from Pakistan and Iran

• The Taliban’s “Commission for Migrant Affairs” announced that on Wednesday, January 21st, 3,182 migrants were deported from Pakistan and Iran and returned to Afghanistan.
  • 3,078 from Pakistan and 104 from Iran.
• The commission reported that returnees received assistance upon arrival and some were transported to their home provinces.
• Over 2.5 million Afghan migrants have been deported from Pakistan and Iran so far this year.

Why it matters: These mass deportations worsen the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and highlight the ongoing challenges faced by migrants and displaced families. For the diaspora, this news shows the continuing instability affecting relatives and communities back home.

5. EU Provides €10 Million to Empower Afghan Women Entrepreneurs

• The European Union has provided €10 million to support Afghan women entrepreneurs through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
• This funding will launch the second phase of the program “Economic Empowerment of Women through Local Business Development”, targeting underserved provinces in central Afghanistan and Hazarajat, where women’s workforce participation is low.
• The project combines Sharia-compliant financial mechanisms, business development support, mentorship, and market connections to help women start and expand sustainable businesses.
• By improving women’s economic participation, the project also strengthens local economies and creates employment opportunities across Afghanistan.

Why it matters: This initiative demonstrates international support for Afghan women’s empowerment and economic independence. For the diaspora, it highlights positive developments and opportunities for Afghan women despite ongoing challenges in the country.