US Military C-17 Aircraft Deports Illegal Indian Migrants to Amritsar Amid Trump’s Immigration Policies
Amritsar, Punjab, February 5, 2025 – In a significant development, a US military C-17 aircraft landed at Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport in Amritsar on Wednesday, marking the first deportation of illegal Indian immigrants under the second-term administration of US President Donald Trump. The flight, which departed from San Antonio, Texas, carried 205 illegal migrants, primarily from Punjab and neighboring states, back to India.
A Long-Distance Deportation
This deportation is part of the Trump administration’s increasingly stringent immigration policies. The US has previously used military aircraft to deport migrants to countries in Central America, such as Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. However, India, located on the far end of the deportation route, has now become one of the distant destinations for such deportations under the current US administration.
Upon arrival at Amritsar’s airport, the deported individuals will undergo verification of their documentation. However, no immediate instructions have been issued to detain them. Authorities will conduct necessary checks to confirm their identities and nationality before allowing them to leave the airport.
Trump Administration’s Immigration Crackdown
The US Embassy in India declined to provide specific details about the deportation flight, but emphasized that the United States is vigorously enforcing its immigration laws and removing illegal migrants. A spokesperson for the US Embassy stated, “These actions send a clear message: Illegal migration is not worth the risk.” This deportation flight comes at a time when the US and India are finalizing details of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Washington from February 12 to 13, 2025.
India’s Position on Illegal Immigration
India has expressed its commitment to working with the United States on addressing the issue of illegal immigration, particularly in light of the ongoing deportations. In response to Trump’s crackdown, India has shown readiness to accept the return of its citizens who have overstayed their visas or are living illegally in the US.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recently reaffirmed India’s stance, stating, “India is opposed to illegal immigration because of its links to several forms of organised crime.” He added that India would take back any Indian citizens who are living illegally in the US, provided the US shares the necessary documentation to verify their nationality. However, Jaiswal also clarified that it would be premature to speculate on the number of illegal Indian immigrants currently in the US.
The Trump-Modi Connection on Deportations
The deportation flight is part of a broader discussion between President Trump and Prime Minister Modi, particularly following their phone call on January 27, 2025. Trump assured that India would “do what is right” regarding the deportation of illegal immigrants from the US. The Trump administration has identified an estimated 18,000 illegal Indian immigrants for deportation, and this flight marks an important step in the implementation of those plans.
The Future of US-India Relations on Immigration
The deportation of illegal Indian migrants is not only a reflection of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration but also underscores the growing cooperation between the US and India in managing immigration issues. While India is committed to taking back its citizens, the process of deportation and repatriation involves careful coordination and verification. As the US continues to tighten its immigration policies, more deportation flights could follow, with India playing a crucial role in facilitating the return of its nationals.
As the situation develops, both the US and India are likely to continue refining their approaches to illegal immigration, with the potential for further collaboration between the two countries to address this global issue.
Conclusion
The recent deportation flight of illegal Indian immigrants aboard a US military C-17 aircraft to Amritsar signals a new phase in the Trump administration’s immigration policies. With a growing number of Indian migrants facing deportation, India’s commitment to accepting its citizens provides a framework for managing the flow of individuals caught in the complexities of illegal immigration. This move highlights the importance of international cooperation between the US and India in tackling immigration challenges in the years to come.
