In a continuation of the U.S. administration’s stringent immigration policies, a U.S. military aircraft is scheduled to land at Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport on February 15, 2025, repatriating 119 Indian nationals. This marks the second significant deportation operation this month, following the return of 104 Indian immigrants on February 5.
Breakdown of Deportees:
- Punjab: 67 individuals,
- Haryana: 33 individuals,
- Gujarat: 8 individuals,
- Uttar Pradesh: 3 individuals,
- Rajasthan: 2 individuals,
- Maharashtra: 2 individuals,
- Goa: 1 individual,
- Jammu and Kashmir: 1 individual,
- Himachal Pradesh: 1 individual,
This operation is part of President Donald Trump’s intensified efforts to address illegal immigration. Since taking office on January 20, 2025, the administration has expanded its focus beyond individuals with criminal records to include those without prior offenses, leading to widespread detentions and deportations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to the U.S., discussed the issue with President Trump. He emphasized India’s willingness to repatriate its citizens, provided their Indian nationality is verified. Modi highlighted the global challenge of human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by unscrupulous agents. He stressed the need for collaborative efforts to dismantle such networks, stating, “Our bigger fight is against that entire ecosystem.”
The treatment of deportees has ignited significant controversy. Reports indicate that individuals were restrained during transit, a standard security measure according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). However, this practice has been criticized as excessive and inhumane, especially for those whose only violation pertains to immigration laws.
In response to these concerns, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Indian Parliament, affirming that the government is actively engaging with U.S. officials to ensure deportees receive dignified treatment. He underscored the importance of upholding immigration laws while advocating for humane practices.
The opposition has also voiced strong reactions. BJP leader Uma Bharti described the deportees’ treatment as “extremely shameful,” urging the government to take a firm stand against such actions.
The ongoing deportations have sparked debates in Punjab, with political parties expressing concerns over the state’s portrayal and the root causes of illegal immigration. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) criticized the central government for allegedly “defaming” Punjab by selecting Amritsar as the landing site for deportation flights. Conversely, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused AAP of diverting attention from the underlying issues driving residents to seek unauthorized entry into foreign countries.
As the U.S. continues to enforce stricter immigration policies, the Indian government faces the dual challenge of ensuring the welfare of its returning citizens and addressing the factors that compel individuals to seek illegal pathways abroad. Collaborative international efforts and robust domestic policies are essential to tackle the complexities of illegal migration and human trafficking effectively.
