Amritsar, Punjab – A second batch of Indian migrants deported from the United States is set to arrive at Amritsar International Airport on Saturday night aboard a U.S. military aircraft. The deportation, part of President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown, will bring back 119 individuals who were living illegally in the U.S.
Breakdown of Deportees by State
The U.S. military C-17 aircraft is carrying migrants from various Indian states, including:
- Punjab: 67 individuals
- Haryana: 33 individuals
- Gujarat: 8 individuals
- Uttar Pradesh: 3 individuals
- Rajasthan & Maharashtra: 2 individuals each
- Goa, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh: 1 individual each
According to reports, deportation flights are expected to continue biweekly until all undocumented Indian migrants in the U.S. are repatriated. This follows a similar operation last week, where 104 Indian nationals were flown back on a U.S. military C-17 transport aircraft.
PM Modi’s Position on Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking
The deportations coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the U.S., where immigration policies were a key discussion point between him and President Trump. Speaking to the press, PM Modi reaffirmed that India is committed to accepting its citizens who have entered the U.S. illegally. He also emphasized that many migrants were victims of human trafficking, misled by false promises of legal residency.
“These individuals were deceived by trafficking networks. Our priority is to dismantle these exploitative systems. India and the U.S. must collaborate to stop such illegal migration channels,” PM Modi stated during a joint press conference with President Trump.
Concerns Over the Treatment of Deportees
Despite the Indian government’s assurance of accepting deportees, concerns have been raised over their treatment during transit. Reports suggest that deportees were handcuffed and shackled as a security measure enforced by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Critics argue that such harsh measures are unnecessary for individuals whose only violation is immigration-related. Opposition leaders in India have urged the central government to intervene, ensuring that deported Indian nationals are treated with dignity and respect.
Indian Government’s Response
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Indian Parliament, confirming that the government is actively engaging with U.S. officials to prevent the mistreatment of deportees.
“We respect the laws of the United States, but we also insist that our citizens be treated with dignity. We are in continuous discussions with the U.S. “All deportations must be conducted in a humane manner,” Jaishankar said.
Impact of U.S. Immigration Crackdown on India
The Trump administration’s strict immigration policies have significantly impacted Indian migrants, posing challenges for India’s reintegration efforts. As deportations continue, the Indian government is under increasing pressure to:
- Strengthen border controls to curb illegal migration.
- Crackdown on human trafficking networks.
- Facilitate support programs for returning migrants.
The return of these deportees is expected to fuel further debates on international migration policies, human rights, and bilateral cooperation between India and the U.S. in managing immigration challenges.
