By Sarah Baafi
U.S. military aircraft has deported at least 104 Indian citizens from the United States to India on February 5, 2025.
The flight, which landed in Amritsar, Punjab, marked a significant event in the ongoing efforts by the U.S. to enforce immigration laws and deport undocumented immigrants. This action aligns with President Donald Trump’s policies aimed at reducing illegal immigration into the United States.
The deportees primarily hailed from states such as Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab.
According to reports from officials and family members of those deported, many had traveled perilous routes through Latin America to reach the U.S.-Mexico border in search of employment opportunities. Their journeys often involved substantial financial sacrifices; for instance, one individual’s family sold part of their land to fund his trip.
The use of a military aircraft for deportation is part of broader initiatives by the Trump administration to expedite removals using military resources. This approach has been controversial due to concerns over treatment during transport. While officials have stated that women and children were not restrained during flights, some deportees have reported being handcuffed throughout their journey.
The deportation comes ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Washington next week. Both countries are collaborating on immigration issues; India has expressed its opposition to illegal immigration and is willing to accept deported nationals after verification processes are completed. The incident highlights ongoing discussions between India and the U.S. regarding bilateral cooperation on migration matters while also addressing concerns about humane treatment during deportations.
