• Mou Mou
• 16 Feb, 2025

In a major deportation move the U.S. government sent back 119 Indian migrants on Saturday midnight. A C-17 military aircraft landed at Amritsar International Airport at 11:40 PM bringing back individuals from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat and other states. This marks the second phase of deportations by the U.S. with more flights scheduled in the coming days.

Mass Deportation Continues from the USA

In a strict crackdown on illegal immigration the Trump administration has deported 116 more Indians most of whom had been staying in the U.S. without legal documents.

On Saturday midnight a C-17 U.S. Air Force aircraft landed in Amritsar bringing back deportees from various states

✅ 67 from Punjab

✅ 33 from Haryana

✅ 8 from Gujarat

✅ 3 from Uttar Pradesh

✅ 2 each from Goa, Maharashtra & Rajasthan 

✅ 1 each from Himachal Pradesh & Jammu & Kashmir

Family members of some deportees were seen waiting at the airport hoping for a safe reunion.

Strict Immigration Process at Airport

After landing the deported Indians were taken for immigration clearance at the airport where officials verified their identities and conducted questioning. Only after this process were they allowed to return home.

This is not the first time the U.S. has deported Indian migrants. A similar flight on February 5th had brought back 104 Indians who were reportedly handcuffed and shackled during transit leading to widespread criticism. This time, however there are no confirmed reports on whether similar treatment was given.

More Deportations Scheduled, 157 More Indians to Return

The deportation drive is far from over. On Sunday, another 157 Indians are expected to be sent back from the U.S. with the following distribution

- 59 from Haryana

- 52 from Punjab

- 31 from Gujarat

- Others from different states

The Indian government has confirmed that at least 487 more deportations are planned in the near future. This number may rise as the U.S. has identified 18,000 Indian migrants living illegally.

Read More: Spring Festival in Santiniketan....! No Public Entry on Dol, Celebration Date Announced.

Political Tensions Over Deportation

The deportation of so many Indians just before PM Narendra Modi's U.S. visit has raised diplomatic concerns. Some experts believe Trump is not prioritising U.S. - India relations as he aggressively implements his anti-illegal immigration policy.

The Punjab government has also questioned why these flights land specifically in Punjab suggesting a negative portrayal of the state. Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has raised concerns over this issue.

Why Are So Many Indians Risking Illegal Migration.?

Despite knowing the risks thousands of Indians continue to spend lakhs of rupees to enter the USA through illegal routes.

- A deported youth’s family from Punjab revealed that they had spent Rs 45 lakh to send their son to the U.S. selling land and gold.

- Another family from Haryana had invested Rs 50 - 55 lakh for their son's U.S. journey only to see him return empty-handed.

Families are now demanding strict action against fraudulent immigration agents who mislead and exploit people by promising safe entry into the U.S.

With more deportation flights on the way this issue remains a major concern for families and policymakers. As the U.S. tightens its immigration laws thousands of Indians may face a forced return. Meanwhile the Indian government’s silence on the issue is drawing political criticism.