“Process Of Deportation Not New”: S Jaishankar On US Sending Back 104 Indians

New Delhi:
In a move that has ignited significant controversy and debate, the United States deported 104 Indian migrants who had illegally entered the country, using a C-17 military transport plane that landed in Amritsar, Punjab. This deportation, part of the Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration, has raised serious concerns about human rights violations and the treatment of deportees.
Videos shared by the US Border Patrol, including those posted by Chief Michael Banks, showed the deportees handcuffed and shackled, prompting widespread criticism. The images depicted the migrants being escorted onto the military aircraft and strapped into their seats, with many reporting they were denied toilet breaks during the long flight.
Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the issue in the Rajya Sabha, emphasizing that the process of deportation by the US is not new and has been ongoing for years. He noted that between 2012 and 2019, the number of Indians deported by the US ranged from 530 to over 2,000 annually. Jaishankar reassured that the Indian government is engaging with the US to ensure that deportees are not mistreated, highlighting the need for a strong crackdown on the illegal migration industry.
The deportees, primarily from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, had undertaken perilous journeys, often transiting through South American countries before reaching the US. Their stories underscore the complexities and risks associated with illegal migration. For instance, Jaspal Singh from Punjab’s Gurdaspur reported paying a substantial amount to an agent who promised legal passage but instead trafficked him through an illegal route.
India has cooperated with the US on these deportations after verifying the nationality of the migrants. This cooperation is part of a broader engagement between the two countries to deter illegal migration while ensuring legal migration channels remain open. The US has identified around 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants to be deported, with over 1,000 already repatriated between October 2023 and September 2024.
The issue of illegal migration and deportation is expected to be a key topic during an upcoming meeting between US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Trump administration’s use of military assets for immigration enforcement, including the deployment of military aircraft for deportations, is seen as a strong message on its hardline immigration agenda.
The controversy surrounding the deportation has drawn comparisons with Colombia’s recent standoff with the US over similar deportation methods. Colombian President Gustavo Petro had refused to allow US military flights carrying shackled deportees to land, leading to a brief trade dispute. This incident highlights the global implications and sensitivities surrounding immigration policies.
As the debate continues, opposition leaders and human rights organizations in India have criticized the treatment of the deportees, calling it “degrading and unnecessary.” The incident has sparked protests in the Indian Parliament, with demands for a more humane approach to deportations.