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Eight Deported Migrants Sent To War-Torn South Sudan After US Court Clears Trump-Era Transfer

July 7, 2025, 1:22 am

Eight male deportees who were sent out of the United States in May and held for weeks at a US military base in Djibouti have since been relocated to South Sudan a country the US State Department advises against visiting because of fighting with weapons, crime, and kidnapping.

The eight men, who are nationals of Cuba, Laos, Mexico, Myanmar, Vietnam, and South Sudan, arrived in the war-torn African nation on Friday after the Supreme Court paved the way for their deportation. The officials of Homeland Security said all eight had been convicted of violent offenses during their stay in the US.

This was a victory for the rule of law, security, and safety of the American people,” Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement released on Saturday.

Their deportation had been postponed in May when a federal judge held that the administration had defied court orders by refusing to let the men contest their deportation. The flights were diverted to an American base in Djibouti, where the men were detained in a converted shipping container as legal proceedings went on.

The conservative-dominated Supreme Court decided in June that immigration officials could speedily deport people to third nations, overruling a lower court’s previous ruling that permitted immigrants to fight such deportations.

After a sequence of emergency proceedings on July 4, a temporary injunction was granted, but the Boston judge presiding over the case eventually said his powers had been cut short by the Supreme Court.

ICE officials confirmed that the men had terminal removal orders. The US has also made agreements with other countries willing to accept temporarily those who can’t be sent back directly to their country of origin. Even with international agencies’ warnings of instability in South Sudan, the transfer has been finalized under the Trump administration’s third-country deportation policy.

Zohran Mamdani Rejects Trump’s Deportation Threat, ‘We Will Not Accept Intimidation’

July 2, 2025, 1:47 pm

Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic candidate of Indian-origin for New York City Mayor, has vehemently rejected Donald Trump’s deportation threat. The President had accused Mamdani of being in the United States “illegally” and promised to have him arrested and deported. Trump made the statement after officials announced Mamdani as the Democratic nominee.

However, Zohran Mamdani has stated that he “will not accept intimidation” and labelled Trump’s threat an “attack on democracy.”. He blamed Trump for inciting hate and fear among immigrants in the country’s most diverse city.

Trump’s Deportation Threat

Trump attacked Mamdani soon after the candidate had won the Democratic nomination for mayor. While addressing the press, Trump called Mamdani a “lunatic and a communist” and raised questions regarding the legality of his citizenship. Trump threatened to have Mamdani arrested if he blocked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting operations in New York.

Trump falsely suggests @ZohranKMamdani is in the country “illegally” calls him a communist (he’s a Dem socialist) and then then goes on to call @ericadamsfornyc a “very good person” who he “helped out a little bit.” pic.twitter.com/7tOoULgPek

— Gloria Pazmino (@GloriaPazmino) July 1, 2025

Trump asserted that Mamdani, who immigrated to the US in 1998 as a seven-year-old, is not a legal citizen. He promised to send him back, inciting anger throughout immigrant communities and civil rights organizations.

Mamdani Responds: “We Will Not Be Intimidated”

Zohran Mamdani replied directly to President Trump. In a statement on X, he stated, “President of the United States just threatened to have me arrested, stripped of citizenship, placed in a detention camp and deported. Not because I have committed any crime but because I will not allow ICE to terrorise our city.”

My statement on Donald Trump’s threat to deport me and his praise for Eric Adams, who the President “helped out” of legal accountability. https://t.co/m7pNcT2DFS pic.twitter.com/UcYakMx4lI

— Zohran Kwame Mamdani (@ZohranKMamdani) July 1, 2025

He stated that Trump’s words are intended to silence the critics. “If you speak out, they will come for you,” he stated, referring to it as an open threat to all New Yorkers who refuse to live in fear.

Criticism of Adams and MAGA Politics

US President Donald Trump also spoke well of existing Mayor of New York Eric Adams, currently running independently. Adams was criticized by Mamdani, referring to his alignment with Trump’s “authoritarian threats” as dangerous.

It’s at a time when MAGA Republicans are going after healthcare and making billionaires richer that it’s a scandal that Adams is parroting Trump’s hate and division,” Mamdani said.

He contended that Adams had agreed to let ICE operate in his city in exchange for federal guardianship against corruption investigations.

November Outlook

According to media reports, Zohran Mamdani currently leads both Adams and Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa in polling for the November election. His campaign has gained momentum as voters look for leadership that resists federal overreach and prioritises the city’s working families.

As the race heats up, Zohran Mamdani’s stance against Trump’s threats may further energise progressive voters across New York City.

US Embassy Warns: Visa Overstays Could Trigger Deportation and Lifetime Ban

May 19, 2025, 3:42 pm

The US Embassy in India issued a strong advisory regarding overstaying visas. The embassy warned that American authorities can deport anyone who remains in the United States after the permitted duration. They can also permanently ban that individual from entering to the country ever again.

The alert, released to social media, backs the broader push by the Trump administration to fight visa fraud and illegal immigration. The timing also comes as Indian tourist travel to the US has been steadily increasing, making India the leading foreign visitor source.

Embassy Posts Clear Reminder on Visa Rules

On 17 May, Saturday, the US Embassy in India tweeted on X that individuals who overstay their visa have severe repercussions. In its message, it stated, “If you remain in the United States for a longer period than your approved stay, you may be deported and could be permanently excluded from traveling to the United States in the future.”

If you remain in the United States beyond your authorized period of stay, you could be deported and could face a permanent ban on traveling to the United States in the future. pic.twitter.com/VQSD8HmOEp

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) May 17, 2025

The notice is directed to all visitors, not only Indian nationals. Nevertheless, the announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of nations that send a high volume of tourists to the US.

Indian Tourist Numbers Continue to Grow

India was fourth on the list of all foreign visitor markets last year, acccording to the US National Travel & Tourism Office. Around 22 lakh Indian tourists came to the US, making the nation only after Canada, Mexico, and the United Kingdom. These three nations are availing themselves of their proximity or cultural affinities with the US.

But the sudden increase in Indian arrivals has raised eyebrows among US immigration authorities.

US Launches Crackdown on Visa Scams

On May 15, the United States Embassy revealed that it had initiated a “coordinated interagency effort to combat fraud and stop illegal immigration.” Since the Trump administration, authorities have increased efforts to detect and penalize visa abuse and illegal entry.

The embassy stated that the new restrictions also aim not just at people but at governments and agents who assist illegal immigration. Law enforcers may ban visa fraud offenders for life from entering the United States.

The message gives a stern notice: comply with visa laws, or pay the price. As US enforcement increases in intensity, visitors have to uphold their visa conditions. Failure to do so may result in deportation—and the cancellation of all future travel opportunities to the US.

Deportation Blunder: US Citizen Sent to El Salvador Despite Ruling

April 13, 2025, 11:57 am

In a deportation mistake, the US government inappropriately deported Kilmar Abrego García—a Maryland resident with legal status—to El Salvador, in defiance of a federal court order. He is now confined in a high-security prison operated by the Salvadoran government. The US Supreme Court has since directed his return. But the Trump administration continues to refuse to say what it is doing. Legal experts say this case is not just an error—it is a demonstration of how the administration is disregarding the courts and eroding fundamental legal rights. The repercussions are becoming more vocal as lawmakers, human rights organizations, and García’s family call for answers.

Court Orders Ignored, Judge Demands Answers

The case reached a boiling point in federal court last week. Judge Paula Xinis posed a simple question: “Where is he, and under whose authority?” The administration’s answer was unclear. On Friday, a White House legal representative confirmed García’s whereabouts—he is being held in El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center. But the filing evaded the judge’s main demand: a specific timeline and plan to return him.

Family Left in Limbo

The human toll is dire. García’s wife, US citizen Jennifer Vásquez Sura, hasn’t spoken to him since his deportation on March 15. She still protests outside the courthouse. Their five-year-old son is specially abled. García, who worked legally in the US since 2019, had no criminal record. ICE agents deported him anyway, based on alleged gang affiliations they never established.

Legal, Political Backlash Grows

The Supreme Court supported a decision preventing García’s removal. The Trump administration ignored it, however. Now critics refer to this as a constitutional crisis. Rights groups explain the case illustrates how Trump’s immigration enforcement tends to negate legal checks all too often. Members of Congress have also started calling for investigations into why the error occurred—and why the government has not yet corrected it.

Who Is Badar Khan Suri? Indian Scholar Facing Deportation from the US

March 20, 2025, 3:48 pm

Indian-origin postdoctoral researcher Badar Khan Suri, who has been working at Georgetown University, has been detained in the US and is now under threat of deportation. He has been charged by the authorities for “spreading Hamas propaganda” and having “close ties to a known or suspected terrorist.”

Arrest Outside His Virginia Home

In a report by Politico, masked agents arrested Suri in front of his home in Virginia on Monday evening. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused him of actively posting Hamas propaganda and encouraging antisemitism on social media.

Tricia McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary at DHS, posted on X, “Suri was a foreign exchange student at Georgetown University actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media.”

Suri was a foreign exchange student at Georgetown University actively spreading Hamas propaganda and promoting antisemitism on social media.

Suri has close connections to a known or suspected terrorist, who is a senior advisor to Hamas. The Secretary of State issued a… https://t.co/gU02gLAlX1

— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) March 20, 2025

She also asserted, “Suri has close connections to a known or suspected terrorist, who is a senior advisor to Hamas. The Secretary of State issued a determination on March 15, 2025, that Suri’s activities and presence in the United States rendered him deportable under INA section 237(a)(4)(C)(i).”

Georgetown University Responds

Georgetown University said Suri arrived in the US on a visa to carry out doctoral research on peacemaking in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was instructing a course called Majoritarianism and Minority Rights in South Asia at the university’s Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service.

Since his arrest, Georgetown University has restricted access to his profile, requiring a login to view any information.

Who is Badar Khan Suri?

Dr. Badar Khan Suri is a postdoctoral fellow at the Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding at Georgetown University. He earned his PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies from the Nelson Mandela Center for Peace and Conflict Resolution at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, in 2020.

His research focused on “Transitional Democracy, Divided Societies, and Prospects for Peace: A Study of State Building in Afghanistan and Iraq.” His work explored the challenges of introducing democracy in ethnically diverse societies and the complexities of state-building efforts.

Suri’s wife, Mapheze Saleh, is a US citizen and a first-year student at the Center for Contemporary Arab Studies at Georgetown University. She hails from Gaza.

Second US Deportation Flight Carrying 119 Indians Lands in Amritsar

February 15, 2025, 11:51 pm

A plane carrying 119 Indian deportees from the United States landed at Amritsar airport on Saturday. The deportation forms part of the US government’s crackdown on illegal immigration.

According to officials, 67 of the deportees hail from Punjab, while 33 belong to Haryana. Others include eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

Plane carrying second batch of deportees from US lands in Amritsar: Official sources

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 15, 2025

Punjab Government Assists Deportees

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann paid a visit to Amritsar airport during the day and ensured the deportees of government help. “Our vehicles are here to take them to their destination,” he maintained. The Punjab government has provided for taking back Punjab citizens among the deportees to their localities.

The third flight, carrying 157 deported Indian citizens, is also likely to land on Sunday, PTI has reported based on unidentified officials.

Allegations of Brutality in Deportation

Indian deportees commenced their arrival with the first contingent reaching Amritsar on 5 February when a US Air Force aircraft transporting 104 Indian nationals touched down at the Amritsar airport. Most of the deportees complained that during the flight, their hands and legs were cuffed and were opened only after they arrived in India.

These charges evoked nationwide indignation, with the opposition asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue in Washington during his tour of the US. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge denounced the way the deportees were treated, saying they were treated “even worse than rubbish.”

In the wake of countrywide outrage, the Indian government expressed its dismay over the way deported Indian nationals were treated in the US.

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre

Before the arrival of the plane, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann condemned the Central government for letting US deportation flights land in Amritsar. He asked the Centre to refrain from making the holy city a “deport centre.”

“Do not make our holy city (Amritsar) a deport centre. There are numerous airbases in the country, and the flight can be landed at any one of them,” Mann said.

Pointing to the importance of the city, he said, “Amritsar is famous for the Golden Temple, Durgiana Mandir, Ram Tirath temple, Jallianwala Bagh, and Gobindgarh Fort. Will they accept landing (of deportation flights) at Vatican City if they (deportees) originate from there?”

The drama continues to unfold, with more deportation flights set to arrive in the coming days.

US Deportation: 2 More Flights of Deportees from the US Set to Land in Amritsar This Week

February 14, 2025, 12:50 pm

Two more US flights carrying deported Indian immigrants are set to arrive in India this week in the US deportation plan. This comes just days after the Donald Trump administration deported 104 illegal migrants. The exact number of Indians on board remains unclear, but sources indicate that the second flight will land in Amritsar on February 15, followed by another in the coming days.

Schedule of the flight

The first flight of 119 Indian deportees will land on February 15, and a second flight is anticipated the following day. The majority of deportees are from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat. The administration of President Trump has increased raids on illegal immigrants, resulting in greater deportations.

Most of the returnees report they went looking for improved prospects but were picked up at the border. The political argument has grown more intense in Punjab as state leaders wondered why such flights are being diverted to their state rather than Gujarat or Haryana.

Punjab Minister Calls US Deportation Flights a Political Move

Punjab finance minister Harpal Cheema criticized the Indian government’s decision to land deportation flights in Amritsar, calling it an attempt to defame the state.

“Why not Haryana or Gujarat? This is an attempt by the BJP to tarnish Punjab’s image. This aircraft should land in Ahmedabad instead,” India Today quoted him saying.

Deportation Sparks Political Backlash

The deportation comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the US to meet Trump, where illegal immigration is expected to be a major topic of discussion.

The first batch of deportees was reportedly sent back in handcuffs and leg chains, triggering nationwide outrage in India. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the treatment of deportees, stating that they were treated “even worse than garbage.” The Congress party has urged Modi to address the issue with Trump.

Following the widespread outcry, New Delhi has expressed its concerns to Washington regarding the treatment of deported individuals. The backlash has also prompted police in Punjab and Haryana to crack down on dubious travel agents accused of facilitating illegal migration by charging exorbitant fees.

Nearly 600 Indians on US ‘Removal’ List

The US has informed India that 487 presumed Indian citizens have been served final removal orders. Additionally, last month, US authorities rounded up 203 illegal migrants, mostly near the Mexico border.

The first deportation flight carrying 104 individuals was part of efforts to send back those 203 detained migrants. Of the remaining 99, India has verified the identities of 96 individuals, who are also expected to be deported soon.

India’s foreign secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the US had shared details about individuals with final removal orders.

“In recent conversations, when we sought details about potential returnees from the US, we have been told that there are up to 487 presumed Indian citizens with final removal orders with the US authorities,” Misri said.

As deportation flights continue to arrive, concerns over the treatment of deported Indian immigrants remain a contentious issue. The situation is expected to be a key point of discussion in the ongoing diplomatic engagements between India and the US.

Venezuelan Plane Return with 200 Deports Migrants from U.S.

February 11, 2025, 1:10 pm

Two planes from Venezuela brought back nearly 200 Venezuelans who had entered the U.S. illegally to their homeland on Monday. It is part of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan and, at the same time, heralds a potential thaw in the relations between two long-standing adversaries.

The 190 deported migrants arrived in Caracas aboard Conviasa airline flights from Fort Bliss, a U.S. Army base in El Paso, Texas.

“Two planes of illegal immigrants left El Paso today headed to Venezuela – paid for by the Venezuelans,” Trump envoy Richard Grenell, who oversaw the deportations, wrote on X.

Thank you, @realDonaldTrump.

Two planes of illegal immigrants left El Paso today headed to Venezuela – paid for by the Venezuelans. pic.twitter.com/Tc7GmwfOJp

— Richard Grenell (@RichardGrenell) February 10, 2025

Resumption of Deportation Flights

Deportation flights from the U.S. to Venezuela had been suspended for years, except for a brief resumption under the Biden administration in October 2023. Since 2021, large numbers of Venezuelans have arrived at the U.S. southern border, making Venezuela’s previous refusal to accept deported nationals a significant challenge.

Repatriation flights to Venezuela have resumed, with Ambassador @RichardGrenell overseeing the first two flights.

MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN. ??✈️ pic.twitter.com/ZAUpwFjhIk

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 10, 2025

The decision by Venezuela to take in its citizens happened after Grennell’s recent visit to Caracas. The development is a win for the diplomacy of the Trump administration, that has been bullying countries into opening their borders and accepting their deportees.

Calls for Peaceful Cooperation

Nicolas Maduro was welcoming the deportees, though he said more needed to be done to get better diplomatic cooperation. “This is the world we want, a world of peace, understanding, dialogue, and cooperation,” Maduro said.

The Venezuelan government confirmed the flights earlier on Monday, refuting allegations that deported Venezuelans included members of the Tren de Aragua gang.

“Most Venezuelan migrants are decent and hard-working people, and American officials are attempting to stigmatize the country,” the government’s statement read.

Controversy Over Guantánamo Bay Detention

The deportation flights were a few days after some of the migrants were deported to the Guantánamo Bay detention camp in Cuba. The detainees are being held separately from the 15 individuals already there, including those accused of planning the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

However, a federal judge in New Mexico issued an injunction this week that prevents the Trump administration from deporting three Venezuelan men to Guantánamo Bay. The attorneys of the accused say their clients were wrongly identified as having associations with the Tren de Aragua gang.

With the Trump administration continuing to intensify the enforcement of immigration rules, Venezuelan migrant returns become yet another piece in the shift in diplomatic tensions and policy discourse.

Jaishankar Clarifies US Deportation Process for 104 Indians: ‘Not New, Ongoing for years’

February 6, 2025, 3:14 pm

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke on the controversy surrounding the deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the United States. He clarifies the deportation process and assures the safety of those being sent back. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Jaishankar explained that deportations of illegal migrants have been an ongoing practice for years and were not a new initiative.

Deportation Process and ICE’s Standard Procedure

Jaishankar clarified that deportations from the United States are carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He further explained that the deportation policy followed by ICE includes an SOP which has been operational since 2012. According to Jaishankar, deportees will be restrained as adopted by the policy while in transport, but he went ahead to clarify that women and children would not be restrained during the deportation process.

USBP and partners successfully returned illegal aliens to India, marking the farthest deportation flight yet using military transport. This mission underscores our commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring swift removals.

If you cross illegally, you will be removed. pic.twitter.com/WW4OWYzWOf

— Chief Michael W. Banks (@USBPChief) February 5, 2025

“The deportation by the US are organized and executed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authority. The SOP of deportation by aircraft used by ICE which is effective from 2012 provides for the use of restraint. We have been informed by ICE that women and children are not restrained,” Jaishankar added.

Despite this explanation, the deportation of 104 Indian nationals aboard a US military aircraft sparked outrage in India. A video shared on social media showed the deportees being handcuffed and shackled as they boarded a C-17 military transport aircraft. The video, posted by US Border Patrol Chief Michael W Banks, was accompanied by a statement detailing the mission and reiterating the US’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws.

The stark message came in the video, “If you cross illegally, you will be removed.” The detained migrants were seen boarding the aircraft in the footage, which had dramatic music, heightening the gravity of deportation. The restrained movement of deportees as they shuffled onto the plane created an image more befitting prisoners of war than people returning home.

Trafficking and Exploitation Horror Stories

The 104 deportees, who arrived in Amritsar, Punjab, described their perilous journeys to the United States as fraught with dangerous paths, exploitation by traffickers, and extreme hardship.

Jaspal Singh, 36 years old, hails from Gurdaspur, Punjab. He revealed that he paid an agent Rs 30 lakh promising him that the route would be legal, but he ended up taking the “donkey route,” the treacherous illegal route taken through South America often used by human traffickers.

Harwinder Singh, from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, paid Rs 42 lakh for passage. He said he had to travel through Qatar, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua, and Mexico. “We walked for days, crossed mountains, and nearly drowned. I saw one man die in the Panama jungle,” Singh recalled, providing a stark account of the dangers involved.

Political Outrage Over Treatment of Deportees

The deportation of 104 Indian nationals, particularly shackling, caused a political commotion in India. Opposition leaders, such as Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, along with Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav, strongly protested against the deportees’ treatment. The opposition staged outside Parliament demonstrations, carrying placards that claimed “Humans, Not Prisoners” while putting on symbolic handcuffs.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed his understanding of the US’s right to deport illegal migrants but criticized the method of deportation. “If you’re in the US illegally, they have the right to deport you. And if your Indian identity is confirmed, India must accept you. However, it was quite unnecessary to transport them in a military plane and shackles,” Tharoor said.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra questioned why India did not do the same for repatriating the deportees. “Could not we have flown our aircraft back to take them? Is this the way to treat humans? Chained and handcuffed like a criminal? The Prime Minister must explain,” she said while voicing concern over inhuman treatment.

jaishankar’s Reassurance Regarding Safety

Jaishankar, in his address, reiterated India’s position on the deportation of its nationals. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of all countries to take back their citizens if they are found to be living illegally abroad. “All countries must take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad,” Jaishankar affirmed.

Moreover, the Minister for External Affairs said that India would engage with the US government so that deportees were treated as human beings and not mishandled at the time of deportation. “We are engaging the US government to ensure the returning deportees are not mistreated in any manner,” he assured.

“Walked 45 Kilometres, Saw Dead Bodies On The Way”: Indians Recount Ordeal After US Deportation

February 6, 2025, 10:09 am

A grueling journey involving long-haul flights to South America, treacherous sea voyages in fragile boats, hikes through dangerous terrains, detention in dark border facilities, and an eventual deportation flight back to India characterized the broken dreams of 104 Indian migrants. Their quest for an American dream was abruptly halted due to US President Donald Trump’s stringent policy on illegal immigration.

Harvinder Singh, a resident of Tahli village in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur district, recounted how an agent to whom he paid ₹42 lakh promised him a work visa in the US. However, he was told at the last moment that the visa was not available and was instead redirected through several flights from Delhi to Qatar and ultimately to Brazil. “In Brazil, I was informed I would be placed on a flight from Peru, but that flight did not exist. Then taxis transported us further to Colombia and onward to the start of Panama. From there, I was told a ship would take us, but there was no ship as well. This is where our donkey route, which lasted two days, began,” he shared with reporters.

After traversing through mountainous regions, Singh and his fellow migrants were taken on a small boat towards the Mexico border. The four-hour journey turned tragic when their boat capsized, resulting in the death of one passenger, while another died in the thick jungle of Panama. Throughout the harrowing experience, they subsisted on meager portions of rice.

Sukhpal Singh from Darapur village encountered a similar ordeal, enduring a 15-hour sea trip followed by a 40-45 km trek through steep hills. “If anyone got injured, they were left to die. We encountered many dead bodies on the way,” he remembered. His attempts to enter the US were unsuccessful, as he was apprehended in Mexico. “We were kept in a dark cell for 14 days, and we never saw the sun. There are countless Punjabi boys, families, and children in similar situations,” he stated, urging people to steer clear of illegal migration paths.

Deportees Return Amidst Grim Circumstances

On Wednesday, a US military C-17 aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian immigrants arrived in Amritsar. This marked the first mass deportation under Trump’s administration. According to sources cited by PTI, the deportees comprised 33 from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh. Among them were 19 women and 13 minors, including a four-year-old boy and two young girls aged five and seven.

Jaspal Singh, another deportee, disclosed that they were shackled throughout the journey and were uncuffed only upon reaching Amritsar. He had paid ₹30 lakh to an agent, who promised him a legal path to the US. Instead, he was taken to Brazil, where he stayed for six months before being apprehended by US Border Patrol on January 24.

Kanubhai Patel, a resident of Chandranagar-Dabhla village in Gujarat’s Mehsana district, stated that his daughter was among those who were deported. “She went to Europe for a vacation with her friends a month ago. I have no knowledge of what she intended to do after arriving in Europe. The last time we communicated with her was January 14. We do not know how she made it to the US,” he mentioned.

Families Burdened with Debt, Demand Action Against Agents

Multiple families of the deportees revealed that they had taken out significant loans to support their relatives’ journey to the US, anticipating a brighter future. Now, they find themselves grappling with substantial debt.

Harvinder Singh’s wife, Kuljinder Kaur, conveyed her anguish: “We sold everything we possessed and borrowed money at high interest to pay the agent, with the hope of a better future. But he (the agent) cheated us. Now, not only has my husband been deported, but we are also burdened with considerable debt. ”

In Kapurthala’s Behbal Bahadue village, Gurpreet Singh’s family mortgaged their home to fund his trip abroad. Likewise, in Fatehgarh Sahib, Jaswinder Singh’s family invested ₹50 lakh for his migration, and they are now struggling to pay back high-interest loans.

It should be highlighted that Punjab’s Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala, and Nawanshahr districts comprise the state’s ‘NRI Belt,’ experiencing elevated levels of emigration to foreign nations each year.

48 Deportees Below 25 in First Batch of Illegal Indian Immigrants from US

February 5, 2025, 5:42 pm

A US military aircraft, a C-17, arrived in Amritsar, Punjab on Wednesday carrying 104 illegal Indian immigrants. The flight had left San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday, the first round of deportations amidst heightened security, and marked a key development in US-India immigration policies. Among the deportees were 25 women and 12 minors, with the youngest passenger being only four years old.

Majority of the deportees came from Haryana and Gujarat with 30 each. Punjab was the province with the highest number of deported individuals with 30, 30 and those coming from cities like Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Jalandhar, Nawanshahr, Patiala, Mohali, and Sangrur. Other provinces included in the list were Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh.

There were also two deported people from Uttar Pradesh and Chandigarh each, three from Maharashtra.

Critical Repatriation Under Tightly Guarded Security

Under high security measures, the US military C-17 aircraft landed at Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport in Amritsar. The flight was the first of its kind with 11 crew members and 45 US officials overseeing the process of the deportation process. The deportees, who could have entered the United States illegally or overstayed their visa term, included all of them. Many of the people now slated for deportation had chosen the perilous “donkey route” or other means which were not available. These routes had cost them a fortune to be in the US.

Effect on Indian Diaspora

This round of deportations came at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi was to visit Washington. It was also the first deportation of illegal indian immigrants during President Donald Trump’s second term in office. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India is open to the “legitimate return” of Indian nationals living illegally abroad. He also told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio last month that New Delhi is ready to accept the deported immigrants after proper verification.

India is open to the legal return of Indian nationals living abroad illegitimately, Jaishankar said. “We are ready to take these migrants in after verification,” he added.

Reactions and Concerns Over Deportation

The decision to deport these immigrants has sparked controversy. Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal expressed disappointment, saying that these immigrants had heavily contributed to the US economy. “They should have been granted permanent residency, instead of being deported,” Dhaliwal said. Many of those deported had been in the US for years, employed in various sectors, and were regarded as part of the workforce.

The Scale of Illegal Indian Immigrants

Pew Research Centre reports that approximately 725,000 illegal immigrants from India reside in the US, making India the third-largest source of unauthorized immigrants after Mexico and El Salvador. Under the administration of President Trump, cracking down on illegal immigration has been a priority. Authorities are increasing deportations of individuals from various countries, including India.

The deportations have already brought out questions concerning immigration reform and the fate of illegal immigrants in the US in the future. With heightened tension over US immigration policies, the future of the Indian nationals in the US remains uncertain.

C-17 Aircraft Carrying 205 Illegal Indian Migrants Likely to Land in Amritsar – What We Know So Far

February 4, 2025, 7:55 pm

A C-17 military aircraft transporting 205 illegal Indian migrants has left the United States and has been reported that the aircraft will land in Amritsar, Punjab. Confirmed reports from The Logical Indian, India Today, and News18 have informed that it took off on Tuesday from San Antonio, Texas, and is expected to reach India within 24 hours.

This is the first mass deportation of Indian nationals from the US since President Donald Trump took office on January 20. A video of the flight’s departure has already surfaced online.

? Over 200 Indian nationals have been deported by a C-17 aircraft from the US. pic.twitter.com/C3picWpoHH

— Indian Tech & Infra (@IndianTechGuide) February 4, 2025

Illegal Indian Migrants Deported from the US

A US official said that the military aircraft is deporting Indian migrants, making it the farthest deportation flight undertaken by the Trump administration.

“The aircraft took off for India with migrants on board but will not reach the destination at least 24 hours from now,” an official source said. This flight is part of a larger effort to tighten immigration policies and remove individuals residing in the US without proper documentation.

US Expands Deportation Efforts to Other Countries

The Pentagon has also begun to use military aircraft to deport more than 5,000 migrants from detention centers in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. Reuters said earlier deportation flights took migrants to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras.

#अवैध_भारतीय_प्रवासी_बेदखल
अमरीका में अवैध रूप से बसे भारतीयों को बेदखल (डिपोर्ट) करने का सिलसिला शुरू हो गया है।

आज अमेरिकी सेना का विमान C- 17 बड़ी संख्या में ऐसे लोगों को लेकर अमेरिका से रवाना हो चुका है। अगले चौबीस घंटे में ये विमान भारत पहुंच सकता है।

डोनाल्ड ट्रंप प्रशासन… pic.twitter.com/9C5S0Mu6J6

— Dr.Rakesh Pathak डॉ. राकेश पाठक راکیش (@DrRakeshPathak7) February 4, 2025

As of this date, the Indian government has not make any official statements about reports of the most recent deportation. On January 24, though, the MEA renewed its statement to the effect that it would allow Indian nationals who “overstay” or are living without proper documents in the United States or “anywhere around world.”

Number of Undocumented Indian Immigrants in the US

Sources quoted by Bloomberg indicate that both India and the US have identified around 18,000 Indian nationals for deportation. Still, the actual number of Indian undocumented migrants may be much more.

Indian citizens make up around 3% of all illegal crossings into the US in fiscal year 2024, based on US Customs and Border Protection data, The Times of India reported.

US Embassy Warns Against Illegal Migration

According to a US Embassy spokesperson, “The country has been enforcing the immigration laws sternly and it warns against illegal migration.”

“I have received a number of queries on the report of a deportation flight to India. I can’t comment on those queries, but I can comment, on the record, that the United States is strongly enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants. These steps send a very clear message, illegal migration is not worth the risk,” the spokesperson said to ANI.

Military Flights: An Elaborate Process of Deportation

It is an expensive method to use military aircraft for deportation. According to Reuters, a similar deportation flight to Guatemala last week cost roughly $4,675 per migrant.

The President Donald Trump is widely depending on the military to enforce his immigration policies. His administration has moved in extra troops to the US-Mexico border and has used military aircrafts for deportations. The government has even repurposed some military bases to house detained migrants.

Implications for US-India Relations

It comes at a time when the US and India are strengthening diplomatic and trade ties. India has yet to comment on this specific case, but the ongoing deportation process could become a key discussion point between the two nations in future bilateral engagements.

Thousands of undocumented Indians in the US still face uncertain fates as the Trump administration pursues strict immigration policies, but one C-17 aircraft is carrying Indian migrants to Amritsar.

Indian Students In US Walk Away From Jobs Over Trump’s Deportation Threats

January 24, 2025, 9:05 am

In the lead-up to former US President Donald Trump’s return to the White House, a significant number of Indian students studying in the United States have decided to quit their part-time jobs, fearing deportation. These students, who hold F-1 visas, are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours a week on campus. However, many have taken up off-campus, undocumented jobs to supplement their income.

With Trump’s potential second term, these students are concerned about tougher immigration policies and stricter enforcement of visa rules. Many have taken out large student loans to finance their education and are not willing to risk their future prospects by violating any visa regulations. A graduate student from the University of Illinois shared his experience, saying, “I used to work at a small café after my college hours, earning $7 per hour for six hours a day. But I quit last week after hearing about potential crackdowns on unauthorised work. I can’t afford to take risks, especially with $50,000 in student loans.”

Financial Strain and Adjusting to New Realities

Previously, many Indian students in the US worked in restaurants, gas stations, or retail stores to cover living expenses, including rent and groceries. However, with the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s immigration policies, students are now reevaluating their financial strategies.

Many students are relying on savings or borrowing money from friends and family back home in India to get by. “I’ve already used up most of my savings and started borrowing small amounts from my roommate. I’m not sure how long I can keep going like this,” said a computer science student from Texas.

Mental Health Struggles Amid Financial Pressure

The uncertainty and financial pressure are also affecting students’ mental health, with many grappling with anxiety and stress as they navigate the challenge of making ends meet without part-time jobs.

Although Trump has signaled a more lenient approach toward H-1B visas and encouraged international students to pursue studies in US universities, Indian students remain cautious. They are prioritizing compliance with visa rules over financial hardship, given the risks involved in violating immigration laws.

For now, these students are adopting a wait-and-see approach, hoping for more clarity on policy changes in the coming months before making any decisions about re-entering the workforce.

US Deports 1,100 Indians in 2024

October 29, 2024, 9:05 pm

The United States deported more than 1,100 Indian nationals between October 2023 and September 2024, citing a need to discourage illegal migration and the exploitative practices of unauthorized travel agencies, according to Royce Murray, Assistant Secretary for Border and Immigration Policy at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). An additional 100 Indians were deported via charter flight on October 22, 2024, underscoring the increasing collaboration between the U.S. and India on immigration issues. This recent charter, part of a growing trend in deportations, included both men and women. While many deportees were sent via charter, DHS also used commercial flights to handle individual cases, and India’s government cooperated with logistical needs.

In 2023, record-high numbers of illegal entries into the U.S., largely from the southern border, led to 3.2 million encounters. This included individuals on the terrorist watchlist, highlighting ongoing security concerns. U.S. authorities attribute part of the rise to human smuggling networks that provide misinformation to migrants from regions like India and other non-American countries. These networks have particularly targeted students, luring them with false promises regarding student visas, posing significant risks to young migrants.

Murray emphasised the need for continued public awareness campaigns to inform individuals about legal migration avenues and the risks of using irregular pathways, which can lead to deportation or exploitation. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has also been tightening operations along the Southwest border, recording over 269,000 migrant encounters in September alone. The U.S. aims to address these challenges by strengthening relations with India, a key partner in countering irregular migration, which remains a shared priority between both nations.

Also read: Operation ASAN: AI, Drones Boost Army Ops in J-K’s Akhnoor

For further context, the U.S. has also grappled with significant domestic challenges, including more than 35,000 apprehensions of migrants with criminal records and the ongoing flow of fentanyl, underscoring the multifaceted nature of U.S. immigration enforcement policy in FY2023.