GUWAHATI: The United States has initiated the deportation of Indian migrants. A C-17 military aircraft carrying 205 deported individuals has departed for India, with arrival expected within 24 hours, according to reports.
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According to reports, around 18,000 Indian migrants have been identified for deportation, though the actual number is believed to be higher. While Indians make up a relatively small proportion of illegal crossings into the US—accounting for about 3% in fiscal year 2024—their numbers have been rising, particularly at the northern border, where they now constitute nearly a quarter of all illegal crossings.
A 2022 report from the US Department of Homeland Security estimated that approximately 220,000 unauthorised Indian immigrants were residing in the country.
India has expressed its willingness to cooperate with US authorities in identifying and repatriating Indian nationals living in the country without legal status. The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Randhir Jaiswal previously stated that the Indian government opposes illegal immigration due to its links with organised crime. The official emphasised that if Indian nationals are found overstaying or residing in any country without proper documentation, India will facilitate their return, provided the necessary documents are shared.
The development comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the United States, where he is set to meet with US officials starting on February 12.
However, the US embassy declined to comment specifically on the deportation flight but reaffirmed the US government’s commitment to enforcing its borders, tightening immigration laws, and removing individuals residing in the country illegally. The Pentagon has begun utilising military flights to deport over 5,000 detained migrants from El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. These military aircraft have previously been used for deportation flights to countries including Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras.
