On February 5, 2025, a U.S. military plane landed in India carrying at least 100 deported individuals, marking a significant occurrence in U.S. immigration strategy. This operation, the longest of its kind since President Trump took office, underscores the administration's rigorous immigration policies, even towards countries where diplomatic relations are strong, such as India. Over 25,000 Indians were reported to have attempted illegal crossings at the southern border last year, revealing a growing trend of unauthorized immigration from India.
Military Plane Carries Deportees from U.S. to India Amid Immigration Crackdown
Military Plane Carries Deportees from U.S. to India Amid Immigration Crackdown
A U.S. military aircraft conducted a deportation flight to India for the first time, highlighting the intensifying immigration policies under the Trump administration.
While Indian officials, backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, have expressed a willingness to repatriate these individuals, some local leaders are voicing concerns. Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, a Punjab state minister, criticized the U.S.'s hardline measures and urged for a more compassionate approach, calling for the consideration of humanitarian grounds in these deportations. Reports suggest that approximately 700,000 undocumented Indian immigrants reside in the U.S., making them one of the largest groups of undocumented individuals in the country, exceeded only by those from Mexico and El Salvador.
As deportations from the U.S. continue, the impact on both the deportees and the Indian communities awaits further scrutiny.
This article was reported by Suhasini Raj, who has covered India extensively for The Times since 2014.
As deportations from the U.S. continue, the impact on both the deportees and the Indian communities awaits further scrutiny.
This article was reported by Suhasini Raj, who has covered India extensively for The Times since 2014.
