Amritsar, India – A second plane carrying Indian immigrants from the United States landed at Amritsar International Airport on February 15, 2025. This flight brought back 119 deported individuals, following the arrival of a previous flight with 104 deportees just ten days earlier. The situation raises significant concerns regarding illegal immigration and the treatment of deportees.
Details of the Deportation Flight
The C-17 Globemaster aircraft touched down at Amritsar around 11:40 PM, bringing back a diverse group of individuals. Among the deportees, 67 hailed from Punjab, while others came from Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Families eagerly awaited their loved ones at the airport, highlighting the emotional toll of these deportations.
Political Reactions
The arrival of these deportees has ignited political controversy across India. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the central government for making Amritsar a “deportation center.” He expressed concern that this practice unfairly stigmatizes Punjabis as immigrants without Papers.
“This is a deliberate attempt to send out the message that only Punjabis travel illegally,” Mann stated. He urged the government to divert future deportation flights to other cities like Delhi or Ahmedabad.
The recent deportations are part of a broader crackdown by the US government on illegal immigration. Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed this issue with President Joe Biden during their recent bilateral talks. Modi emphasized the need to combat human trafficking while assuring that India would take back its citizens living illegally in the US.
Treatment of Deportees
Reports have surfaced regarding the treatment of deportees during their flights. Many individuals were reportedly shackled and restrained throughout their journey, raising concerns about human rights violations.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed these concerns, stating that India is engaging with the US to ensure humane treatment for all deportees. He noted that deportations are not a new phenomenon but have been ongoing for years.
Broader Context
India is currently one of the largest sources of undocumented immigrants in the US, with over 725,000 individuals living there illegally.
Amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in the US, Indian officials have pushed back against negative perceptions, highlighting the economic contributions made by Indian professionals and students.
Future Deportation Flights
A third plane carrying an additional 157 deportees is expected to land in India soon. The Punjab government has made arrangements to transport local residents back to their hometowns after their arrival.
The arrival of these deportation flights has sparked widespread concern among citizens and political leaders alike. Many took to social media to express their outrage.
“This could have been avoided with better management,” one user tweeted. “We need more humane policies regarding our citizens abroad.”
In light of these incidents, authorities are reviewing existing safety protocols.
Addressing Illegal Immigration
The landing of two planes carrying deported Indians within a short span highlights the urgent need for addressing illegal immigration issues in India.
As authorities grapple with this complex problem, it is vital to ensure that deportees are treated respectfully and humanely upon their return.
The ongoing discussions between Indian and US officials will be crucial in shaping future policies related to immigration and human trafficking.
As these developments unfold, it remains essential for both governments to work collaboratively toward solutions that benefit all parties involved.
