Major deportation operation signals stricter immigration enforcement as US-India collaborate on addressing undocumented residents.
In a landmark deportation operation, a US military C-17 aircraft landed in Amritsar on Wednesday afternoon carrying 104 illegal Indian immigrants, marking the first major enforcement action under the Trump administration’s renewed immigration crackdown.
Key Highlights:
- The deportees included 30 residents from Punjab, 33 each from Haryana and Gujarat, 3 each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and 2 from Chandigarh
- The flight arrived at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport at 1:55 PM amid heightened security
- This deportation follows recent discussions between PM Modi and President Trump on immigration matters
Surge in Deportations
Recent data from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals a dramatic 400% increase in Indian deportations over the past three years:
- 2024: 1,529 Indians deported (averaging one deportation every 6 hours)
- 2021: 292 Indians deported
- Approximately 18,000 illegal Indian migrants have been identified for potential deportation
India’s Stance on illegal Immigrants:
The Indian government has pledged full cooperation with US authorities, stating it will accept returnees pending proper verification of their Indian citizenship. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized, “We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime.”
- Indian citizens represent approximately 3% of all unlawful US border crossings in fiscal 2024
- The operation precedes PM Modi’s upcoming US visit where immigration will be a key discussion point.
- Both nations are working to address the broader issue of illegal immigration while maintaining diplomatic relations.
The deportation marks a significant shift in US immigration enforcement policy and sets a precedent for future operations targeting undocumented residents.
