US Indian Deportation: 104 Indians Deported from the US in a Military Plane Amid Trump’s Tough Immigration Policies
In a dramatic development concerning illegal immigration, the United States has carried out another large-scale deportation, this time affecting 104 Indian nationals. The deportation took place on February 5, 2025, when a C-17 military aircraft arrived at Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport in Amritsar, India, bringing back a group of illegal immigrants. This move is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to enforce stricter immigration policies, ensuring that those who entered the country unlawfully are sent back to their countries of origin.
The Shift in US Immigration Policy under Donald Trump
Under the leadership of former President Donald Trump, the US has seen a marked shift in immigration policy, especially with regard to illegal immigration. Trump’s policies, especially after taking office in January 2017, have been focused on tightening immigration regulations and implementing measures to deport illegal immigrants back to their home countries.
One of the most significant steps Trump took was signing an executive order that gave the US government the authority to crack down on illegal immigration, leading to the deportation of hundreds of thousands of individuals from various countries, including India. This latest deportation is a clear reflection of the administration’s commitment to fulfilling those objectives.
Details of the Deportation: 104 Indian Nationals Returned from the US
On February 5, a C-17 military plane landed at Amritsar airport, carrying 104 individuals who had overstayed their visas or entered the US without proper documentation. Among the deportees, 30 hailed from Punjab, 33 from Haryana and Gujarat, 3 each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and 2 from Chandigarh. These individuals had been living in the United States unlawfully and had been subject to the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation policies.
Although earlier reports claimed that 205 individuals were aboard the military flight, official sources have confirmed the number to be 104. This marks a significant step in the implementation of Trump’s policies, emphasizing his stance on illegal immigration.
Deportation Policies: Impact on Illegal Immigrants from India
The US government has been focusing on the deportation of illegal Indian immigrants, and this is not the first instance of a large-scale deportation involving Indian nationals. Earlier in the same year, the US deported people from Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras using military aircraft, with India becoming the farthest destination for deportation so far.
The deportation of these individuals is seen as part of the Trump administration’s larger goal of reducing the number of illegal immigrants in the country and enforcing the nation’s immigration laws more strictly. The continued use of military aircraft to carry out these deportations reflects the US government’s intent to expedite this process and send a clear message about the enforcement of immigration regulations.
US Embassy in New Delhi Responds to Deportation
As news of the deportation broke, the US Embassy in New Delhi refrained from providing any direct commentary on the matter. However, a spokesperson made it clear that the deportation was in line with President Trump’s tough stance on illegal immigration. He added that this action should serve as a warning to others who might consider entering the US illegally.
The spokesperson emphasized that illegal immigration poses risks to national security and public safety, and the US is committed to addressing this issue through the enforcement of stricter immigration laws.
What Does This Mean for US-India Relations?
This deportation takes place just a week before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the United States on February 12-13, 2025. Modi’s visit is expected to bolster US-India relations, but the timing of the deportations could bring up concerns about immigration policies and their potential impact on the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
In late January, President Trump and Prime Minister Modi had a phone conversation in which the issue of deportations was briefly discussed. Trump reportedly told Modi that India would “do what is right” regarding the deportation of Indian nationals. The Indian government, in turn, has made it clear that it opposes illegal immigration, especially since it is linked to organized crime and human trafficking.
Indian Government’s Stance on Deportation
While the Indian government has stated that it opposes illegal immigration, it has also made it clear that it will take back Indian nationals who have overstayed their visas or entered the US without valid documentation. The government emphasized the importance of verifying the nationality of these individuals to ensure they are indeed Indian citizens.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jayswal recently noted that discussions regarding the exact number of Indian nationals facing deportation would be premature, as many of these individuals may be in the process of verification. India is working closely with US authorities to ensure that deportations are carried out in a fair and systematic manner.
Deportation: A Growing Concern Among Indian Immigrants
The news of these deportations has raised concerns among the Indian diaspora in the US, especially in light of claims that up to 725,000 Indian nationals are currently residing in the US without proper documentation. The Indian community in the United States has historically been one of the largest immigrant groups, and a significant number of individuals from India may be impacted by Trump’s policies moving forward.
In fact, Rajeev Shukla, a member of India’s Rajya Sabha (upper house of parliament), posted on Twitter expressing concern about the large number of Indian nationals being targeted for deportation. He suggested that India would need to have a clear plan for what to do with those who are sent back home. He raised critical questions about the logistics of handling the returning Indian deportees and their reintegration into society.