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Indians Deported from U.S.: Deportees predominantly from Punjab, Gujarat, and Haryana
Tight security outside Amritsar Airport as Indian immigrants from the US arrived today. (PTI)
Indians Deported from U.S.: A U.S. military aircraft carrying 205 illegal Indian immigrants landed at the Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport in Amritsar on Wednesday afternoon.
The C-17 aircraft departed from San Antonio, Texas, around 3 am IST on February 4 and was scheduled to land in Amritsar the next morning but was delayed. A senior official stated that the highest number of deportees were from Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab, followed by Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh.
Punjab: A U.S. military aircraft landed at Amritsar’s Sri Guru Ramdas International Airport, bringing back deported Indian nationals from the United States pic.twitter.com/ukdEifQLyN— IANS (@ians_india) February 5, 2025
The Scale of Deportations
According to sources, the plane brought 205 illegal immigrants, primarily from Punjab and surrounding states. During initial questioning, the deportees admitted to using different agents and staying at various locations before being apprehended.
A senior government official explained, “These individuals paid substantial amounts to enter the U.S. illegally and were often cheated by various agents. While they are victims in a way, they voluntarily chose illegal routes to enter the country.”
Local authorities and central agencies have initiated questioning upon their arrival in Punjab. Allegations range from visa violations to involvement in unauthorized networks. Some deportees were misled by agents, while others inadvertently joined larger schemes without realizing it.
Government Response and Future Plans
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is closely monitoring the situation, working alongside law enforcement agencies to determine the next steps. Whether the deportees will face prosecution will be decided after an initial round of questioning.
Indian agencies anticipate more such deportations from the U.S. in the coming days. Punjab’s Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, assured that the state government would assist these individuals upon arrival, establishing counters at the airport to manage the process.
Yadav announced plans to meet with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar the following week to address concerns of Punjabis living in the U.S. He advised Punjabis to avoid illegal travel abroad, emphasizing the importance of gaining skills and education to secure legal opportunities. He encouraged individuals to research legal pathways and improve their education and language skills before traveling.
Background on Trump Administration’s Policies
Since Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. President, law enforcement has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigrants. Many Punjabis who entered the U.S. through illicit means are now facing deportation, having spent significant money to do so.
Trump signed an executive order on January 20, authorizing the military to assist in securing the border. At the time, the acting secretary of defense, Robert Salesses, stated that the Department of Defense would “provide military airlift” to support the Department of Homeland Security in deporting over 5,000 “illegal aliens”.
The military flights were not just for operational purposes but also served as a symbolic statement against illegal immigration. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt posted images of the C-17 Air Force plane carrying migrants, with a caption, “President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences.”
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Location :
Amritsar, India, India
This significant event highlights the ongoing challenges faced by immigrants and the stringent measures implemented by the U.S. government. It underscores the importance of legal immigration processes and the potential consequences of illegal activities.
We encourage our readers to share their thoughts on this issue. Understanding the complexities behind these deportations can help foster better policies and support systems for affected individuals.
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