Washington DC (National Times): Two additional flights carrying deported Indian immigrants from the United States are set to land in India this week, following the recent deportation of 104 individuals under the Trump administration’s immigration policies.
While the exact number of Indians on these upcoming flights remains unclear, sources indicate that the first of the two flights will arrive in Amritsar on February 15, with another expected in the following days.
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema has criticized the decision to land these deportation flights in Amritsar, alleging that the NDA-led central government is deliberately attempting to defame Punjab. “Why not Haryana or Gujarat? This is clearly an attempt by the BJP to tarnish Punjab’s image. This aircraft should land in Ahmedabad instead,” he told India Today.
The development coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the US, where discussions on illegal immigration are expected to be a key agenda point during his meeting with President Donald Trump.
The recent deportations have sparked nationwide outrage, particularly over the treatment of deportees, many of whom were reportedly handcuffed and shackled during transit. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge condemned the treatment, stating they were handled “even worse than garbage.” The Congress party has urged Modi to raise concerns about the inhumane deportation process with Trump.
Following widespread backlash in India, New Delhi has formally conveyed its concerns to Washington regarding the treatment of deported Indian nationals.
Meanwhile, the deportations have prompted law enforcement in Punjab and Haryana to intensify their crackdown on fraudulent travel agents who exploit aspiring migrants, charging them large sums to facilitate illegal entry into the US.
Nearly 600 Indians on US ‘Removal’ List
Earlier reports suggested that the US had informed Indian authorities that 487 “presumed Indian citizens” were issued final removal orders. Additionally, 203 undocumented migrants were detained in recent border enforcement operations, primarily near the US-Mexico border.
The first deportation batch of 104 individuals, transported aboard a US Air Force C-17 military aircraft, was part of efforts to repatriate those among the 203 recently detained. Of the remaining 99, India has verified the identities of 96 individuals, who are also expected to be deported soon.
