US retracts warnings to Ukrainian refugees to leave immediately as 'error': Report

ISTANBUL

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mistakenly notified some Ukrainian refugees that they must leave the country immediately but later backtracked the statement on Friday, calling the alarming messages an error, CBS News reported.

Ukrainian refugees who entered the US amid the war in their country received threatening emails dated April 3 stating their legal protections were being terminated.

"DHS is now exercising its discretion to terminate your parole," the notice stated, according to CBS News. "Unless it expires sooner, your parole will terminate 7 days from the date of this notice."

The message contained stark warnings for recipients who failed to comply. "Do not attempt to remain in the United States — the federal government will find you," it said.

DHS acknowledged the error after the newspaper inquired about the notices.

The agency also sent retraction emails on Friday, telling recipients that the first email sent was an "error."

"No action will be taken with respect to your parole," it said.

As of early 2025, the estimated number of Ukrainian refugees in the US is approximately 240,000, including those who entered through humanitarian parole and Temporary Protected Status (TPS).