A total of 388 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States since January 2025, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Lok Sabha on Friday. Of these, 333 individuals were sent back to India on three separate military flights in February, while 55 were deported through Panama on commercial flights.
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities have also shared information about an additional 295 Indian nationals currently in custody, awaiting deportation. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), along with other agencies, is verifying their details.
Concerns Over Treatment of Deportees
The treatment of deportees, particularly those who arrived on a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft on February 5, has sparked controversy in India. Reports indicate that deportees, including women, were shackled, prompting the Indian government to raise concerns with US authorities.
“The US Standard Operating Procedure, in effect since November 2012, mandates the use of restraints on deportees. However, the Indian government has strongly registered its objections, particularly regarding the use of shackles on women,” Singh stated.
Deportation and India-US Discussions
The recent deportations were part of the US administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. The Indian government emphasized the importance of safe and legal migration during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US on February 12-13.
“India’s consistent stance against illegal immigration was reiterated, while also seeking humane treatment for deportees. Both sides agreed to closely cooperate to tackle illegal immigration networks and human trafficking,” Singh added.
According to the minister, only those who violated US immigration laws have been deported. However, he acknowledged that many illegal migrants become vulnerable to crimes, highlighting the risks associated with unlawful migration.
State-Wise Breakup of Deportations
Among the 333 Indians deported directly from the US, a significant number belonged to Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat.
- February 5 flight (104 deportees): Punjab (30), Haryana (33), Gujarat (33), Maharashtra (3)
- February 15 flight (117 deportees): Punjab (65), Haryana (33), Gujarat (8)
- February 16 flight (112 deportees): Punjab (31), Haryana (44), Gujarat (33)
Additionally, the 55 individuals deported through Panama arrived in New Delhi on commercial flights between February 20 and March 2.
Amritsar Chosen for Military Deportation Flights
In response to questions about why Amritsar was selected as the landing site despite deportees hailing from multiple states, Singh explained that landing sites are determined based on operational convenience, entry routes into Indian airspace, and proximity to deportees’ final destinations.
Growing Trend of Deportations
Since 2009, a total of 15,564 Indian nationals have been deported from the US. With ongoing enforcement against illegal immigration, the trend of deportations is expected to continue, raising concerns about the need for better legal migration pathways.
Sources By Agencies