Return of Indian Immigrants
On February 5, 2025, a U.S. military plane made a historic landing in India, bringing back 104 Indian migrants deported from the United States. This operation marks a significant development under the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies. The flight originated in Texas as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration. While India is committed to accepting its citizens, verification of nationality remains vital. Meanwhile, discussions between U.S. and Indian leaders continue to focus on immigration policies and trade relations.
On February 5, 2025, a U.S. military plane made a historic landing at Amritsar International Airport, bringing back 104 Indian migrants who had been deported from the United States. This flight marks the very first deportation operation conducted by the military under the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies.
The flight took off from Texas just a day before its arrival in India and is part of a larger crackdown on illegal immigration that began back when President Trump took office. The migrants on board had all entered the United States without proper documentation over the years, hailing from various states across India.
Earlier this week, Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed immigration policies. Trump’s focus was on strengthening business ties, pushing for India to purchase more American-made security equipment, and improving trade relations.
India has shown its readiness to accept its deported citizens back home, but there is a catch—verification of their nationality is crucial. According to U.S. government estimates, there are about 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants currently living in the U.S.
In the year leading up to October 2024, the U.S. deported around 519 Indian nationals back to their home country. Reports show that a staggering over 14,000 Indians were arrested at the U.S.-Canada border during the same period. Most of these undocumented individuals are believed to come from the states of Punjab and Gujarat.
As of November 2024, approximately 20,407 undocumented Indians were facing removal orders or were in detention facilities run by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With the use of military aircraft like the C-17 Globemaster for deportations—a strategy not commonly seen until now—this new approach indicates a shift in how deportations are managed.
Despite the ongoing crackdown, India and the U.S. have been working on maintaining a cooperative relationship to manage illegal immigration. This collaboration also aims to promote legal migration opportunities for Indian citizens.
Punjab’s Minister for NRI Affairs has made a heartfelt appeal to residents to steer clear of illegal migration and instead focus on education and skill development as pathways for legal migration opportunities.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has highlighted the effectiveness of these military deportation flights in reducing the flow of illegal migration. Similar operations have previously been conducted for deportations to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras, and this recent flight to India is a significant addition to that list.
The situation surrounding undocumented immigrants remains complex and sensitive, but with discussions on improving legality and enforcement taking place, there is a glimmer of hope for aspiring migrants. While the challenges are steep, both India and the U.S. continue to seek solutions that acknowledge the need for security and fair migration practices.
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