
NEW DELHI: The US has begun deporting Indian migrants who entered the country illegally. This marks the first such instance of the US deporting Indian migrants since Donald Trump’s return to the White House.
The move represents a significant step in the Trump administration’s broader immigration policy, which has focused on stricter enforcement and the removal of undocumented individuals.
A US military C-17 cargo plane was reportedly carrying the first group of deported Indian migrants. The plane, which is en route to India, is expected to take at least 24 hours before it reaches its destination, as indicated by an official familiar with the matter to the news agency.
Media reports indicate that the plane is carrying around 205 Indians identified as illegal migrants and is expected to land in Amritsar.
The Indian government is yet to make an official statement about the deportations. However, such repatriations have often raised questions regarding the treatment and support of deportees upon their return.
Asked about the deportation of illegal migrants to India, a US embassy spokesperson in New Delhi did not provide details, but asserted that Washington is removing illegal migrants.
"I can't share any details on those inquires, but I can share, on the record, the United States is vigorously enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants. These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk," the official said.
Notaby, Bloomberg had earlier reported that the US identified around 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants for deportation, with the majority believed to be from Punjab and Gujarat. It had also noted that the actual number could be higher, as the total population of undocumented Indian migrants in the US remains unclear.
Attempts to enter the United States illegally via the "donkey route" are still ongoing, but these migrants are now apprehensive about whether they will reach their destination.
Speaking to TNIE on condition of anonymity, a travel agent said that "fly-by" travel agents are still operating, and many young people continue to fall into their trap in an attempt to go abroad, especially to the US.
"For the last two months since everyone came to know that US President Donald Trump will deport illegal migrants, there has been a considerable drop in this kind of activity. But it has not stopped,’’ he said.
Another travel agent said, "They take these illegal migrants from here to Nicaragua via Amsterdam by plane. Then for a couple of days, they stay in Nicaragua and from there go via road to Mexico before reaching the US-Mexico border where they try to sneak into the United States.’’
"Now, these migrants could end up paying in the range of Rs 45 to Rs 50 lakh trying to reach the United States through this illegal route without being sure whether they will make it or not,’’ he added.
This term “donkey route” originated from the Punjabi word 'dunki' (to hop from place to place). Nicaragua has been used as a migratory springboard because of relaxed entry requirements.
The deportations are part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration, a hallmark of the Trump administration’s border security strategy, which has prioritised removing individuals who entered the country without proper documentation.
While deportations have long been a feature of US immigration policy, the Trump administration has sought to accelerate the process, with an emphasis on countries with high numbers of migrants who have overstayed visas or entered without authorisation.
Trump also expanded the military’s role in immigration enforcement, deploying additional troops to the US-Mexico border, using military planes for deportations, and opening bases to house migrants. Military flights have previously transported deportees to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras.
Last week, the US President said he discussed immigration with PM Narendra Modi and added that India would "do what is right" in handling the return of "illegal immigrants."
On January 24, the Ministry of External Affairs had stated that it would facilitate the return of Indian nationals "overstaying" or residing without proper documentation in the United States or "anywhere in the world."
Similarly, EAM S Jaishankar had earlier stated that India is in in the process of verifying the identities of those potentially eligible for deportation, adding that the exact number remains undetermined.
"With every country, including the US, we have always maintained that if our citizens are in any country illegally, and we can confirm their citizenship, we are open to their legitimate return," Jaishankar said.
The deportation of Indian nationals is significant, as the country has become one of the largest sources of immigrants to the United States, many of whom are part of the skilled labour force.
However, a number of Indian nationals also enter the country illegally, either by overstaying visas or crossing the border without proper documentation. The Trump administration’s decision to deport these individuals highlights the ongoing tension between economic and labour considerations and the desire for tighter immigration controls.
While the US has deported thousands of people from various countries during the Trump administration, this particular deportation is notable for the involvement of a military aircraft, underlining the scale and logistical organisation behind the operation. This development is likely to further fuel discussions about immigration reform in the US and the balance between enforcement and humanitarian concerns.