Amritsar Airport prepares to expect a U.S. plane carrying 119 deported Indian immigrants on February 15, 2025, as part of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Most Indian deportees originate from Punjab followed by Haryana with 33 people and Gujarat with eight deportees. Other states such as Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan along with Maharashtra, Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir have sent smaller numbers. An additional flight is expected to reach on February 16, although it is still unclear if it will be from the U.S. or arranged by the Indian government.
Controversy Surrounding Shackled Deportees
The deportation of illegal immigrants by the U.S. government has sparked reactions across the nation. Another U.S. military flight brought 104 deportees to land in Amritsar during the last week. Multiple controversies had arisen around this deportation flight because the returning deportees were reported to be placed in shackles. Public criticism intensified against the Indian government after an unwelcomed manner therefore drawing demands for improved treatment measures.
Most of the deportees have been linked to illegal immigration networks that use “donkey routes”—highly risky and illegal pathways that migrants use to enter the U.S. after paying large sums to corrupt agents. Many of these individuals had hoped for a better life in the U.S. for their families, only to have their dreams shattered when they were apprehended at the U.S. border.
Punjab Government Forms SIT
The Punjab government established a special investigation team (SIT) to investigate illegal human trafficking after the situation arose. The Special Investigation Team at present has filed various FIRs aimed at immigration consultants who commit fraud against migrants. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema along with other political figures has expressed concerns about Amritsar receiving deportation flights questioning why these flights are not landing in other states like Delhi, Haryana, or Gujarat.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent US visit, he talked about illegal immigration and deportations with President Donald Trump as they strategised about enabling more legal paths for students professionals, and travellers yet needed to manage illegal immigration and human trafficking. These two countries have agreed to develop better law enforcement co-operation to fight ongoing concerns.
