US Sends 104 Indians Back, S Jaishankar Responds
104 Indian immigrants were deported from the U.S., sparking debate over illegal immigration and dangerous trafficking routes.
On 4th February 2025, the U.S. deported at least 104 Indian citizens back to India. These people, who were living in the U.S. without proper documentation, had risked everything for a better life. The deported individuals were sent back on a military aircraft, landing in Amritsar, Punjab. Among them were 19 women, whose hands were chained, while 13 minors did not have restraints. This has sparked anger among many in India, with people questioning why the Indian government did not bring back its citizens in a more humane way.
The deported people had attempted to enter the U.S. illegally using a dangerous route known as the "Donkey Route" or "Dunki Route," which involves traveling through several countries in a risky manner. Despite the dangers, they took this path in search of a better life. However, their dreams were shattered as they were sent back home, often in a humiliating manner, including being handcuffed and shackled during the journey.
Many of these deportees came from various states in India, such as Gujarat, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh. After landing in Amritsar, they went through verification and medical checks. The state governments then arranged transportation to take them back to their homes, ensuring their safety.
The U.S. government, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, has been enforcing strict policies against illegal immigration. The deportations are carried out by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) department, which follows strict guidelines, including the use of restraints during transport for safety reasons. The U.S. government justifies these actions by stating that deportations are a global practice, and every country must take back its citizens if they are living abroad illegally.
However, the manner in which these deportations are carried out has been criticized, especially by opposition MPs in India. They question why the Indian government did not intervene to ensure the return of its citizens in a more humane way. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar responded by stating that deportations of Indian citizens from the U.S. are not new and that more than 15,000 illegal Indian immigrants have been deported over the past 15 years.
The government also emphasized that illegal immigration is a serious issue, and it is important to track down the agents who promote illegal routes and send people abroad without proper documentation. Jaishankar pointed out that ICE’s rules, in place since 2012, include the use of restraints for the safety of all involved, but that women and children are not restrained. They are provided with food, medical help, and temporary unrestrained bathroom breaks when necessary.
India’s focus, according to the government, should be on tackling illegal migration and cracking down on the agents who put people's lives at risk by sending them on dangerous and illegal journeys.
So, should the government of India help bring back these illegal immigrants who knowingly broke the law? Shouldn’t there be more effort to stop the agents promoting these dangerous illegal routes? It’s a question that the government, and the people, need to consider carefully.
