A U.S. Air Force plane carrying Indian citizens who allegedly migrated illegally to the United States landed in Amritsar, Punjab, on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, a spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy confirmed that while specific details could not be disclosed, the United States is strictly enforcing its border and immigration laws. The spokesperson stressed that these actions serve as a clear message that illegal migration carries significant risks.
“I have received numerous inquiries regarding the deportation flight to India. While I cannot share specific details, I can confirm that the United States is rigorously enforcing its immigration policies and removing illegal migrants. These efforts send a strong message: illegal migration is not worth the risk,” said the spokesperson.
Earlier, on January 24, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had announced that it would assist Indian nationals who have overstayed or are residing in the U.S. without proper documentation. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, during a press briefing in New Delhi, said, “We oppose illegal immigration, particularly since it is often associated with organized crime.”
He further stated, “For Indian nationals anywhere in the world, if they are overstaying or residing without valid documentation, we will facilitate their return, provided we can verify their nationality through proper documentation. If they are indeed Indian citizens, we will move forward with their repatriation.”
The deportation has stirred political debate, with Congress accusing the U.S. of treating Indian citizens harshly. Congress MP Manickam Tagore condemned the treatment of deported individuals, posting, “Shocking and shameful! The way the U.S. is deporting Indians—chained like criminals—is inhumane and unacceptable. Why is Prime Minister Narendra Modi silent? Where is our self-respect? Dr. S. Jaishankar, what are you doing to stop this humiliation? Speak up and act now.”
In related news, CBS reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is releasing some migrant detainees, as detention centers have surpassed their maximum capacity. The surge in migrant arrests during President Trump’s administration has led to overcrowding, with facilities operating at 109% capacity, housing nearly 42,000 detainees.