Fourth Batch of Indian Migrants Deported by the U.S. Arrives in Delhi Amid Ongoing Crackdown

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New Delhi – February 23, 2025

A fourth batch of Indian migrants deported from the United States landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, on Sunday, marking yet another phase of mass deportations under U.S. President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. The group, consisting of 12 Indian nationals, was flown back via Panama, as part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to remove undocumented immigrants.

According to officials, four of the deported individuals hail from Punjab, specifically from Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, and Patiala districts. They later arrived at Sri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport, Amritsar, on a commercial flight.

U.S. Deportation Policy and Indian Immigrants

This latest deportation follows three previous batches of Indian migrants returned to India on February 5, 15, and 16. The first deportation saw 104 Indians repatriated on a U.S. military aircraft, sparking political debates in India over the treatment of deportees.

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Reports suggest that nearly 300 migrants deported from the U.S. are currently being held in a hotel in Panama, awaiting repatriation to their respective home countries. Many migrants, including those from India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, entered the U.S. using illegal and dangerous migration routes—often referred to as “donkey routes”—in pursuit of better opportunities.

With 40% of migrants refusing voluntary repatriation, international agencies, including UN organizations, are working on potential alternative solutions. Panama continues to serve as a transit hub while the U.S. government covers deportation costs.

Political Reactions and Concerns Over Treatment

The deportations have led to strong reactions in India, particularly in Punjab, a state from which a significant number of migrants attempt to reach the U.S. illegally. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has openly criticized the central government, questioning why Amritsar has become the landing site for these flights. He has accused the government of attempting to “defame Punjab” by making it appear that only Punjabis migrate illegally.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed concerns over the treatment of deportees, stating that the Indian government is actively engaging with U.S. authorities to ensure they are not mistreated. He also emphasized that U.S. deportations of undocumented immigrants are not a new phenomenon and have been occurring for years.

U.S. Expands Deportation Efforts, Including Migrant Children

In an unprecedented move, the Trump administration has directed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to track down and deport hundreds of thousands of unaccompanied migrant children who entered the country illegally. A leaked internal ICE memo outlines a four-phase plan to identify, detain, and deport minors who crossed the border without legal guardians.

Since 2019, over 600,000 immigrant children have entered the U.S.-Mexico border, reflecting a surge in illegal migration. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to weigh in on the legal challenges against this new deportation directive.

India’s Stance on Deportations and Human Trafficking

During a recent visit to the U.S., Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed that India is willing to accept its citizens who are living illegally abroad but stressed the need for strict measures against human trafficking networks. He called for global cooperation in dismantling the “ecosystem” of illegal migration and trafficking agents, many of whom operate across multiple countries.

Future of Indian Migrants in the U.S.

With the Trump administration intensifying deportation efforts, thousands of Indians living in the U.S. without legal documentation face uncertainty. Experts believe that the U.S. immigration crackdown will continue to impact migrant communities from India and other nations, particularly those who entered the U.S. without proper visas.

For now, India continues to coordinate with the U.S. and transit nations like Panama to ensure the safe return of deported individuals. However, legal and diplomatic challenges remain as mass deportations spark international debates on immigration policy and human rights.

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