Second US Flight with Indian Migrants to Arrive in Punjab's Amritsar Today

Amritsar, Punjab: The second round of deportations under US President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown is set to bring 119 Indian migrants back to India. The deportees, who were living in the US illegally, will arrive at Punjab's Amritsar International Airport aboard an American military aircraft between 10 PM and 11 PM on Saturday.

Breakdown of Deportees by State

The US military C-17 aircraft is carrying individuals from multiple Indian states, including:

• Punjab: 67 individuals

• Haryana: 33 individuals

• Gujarat: 8 individuals

• Uttar Pradesh: 3 individuals

• Rajasthan & Maharashtra: 2 individuals each

• Goa, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh: 1 individual each

The deportation flights are expected to continue every other week until all illegal Indian immigrants in the US are repatriated, according to a PTI report. Last week, 104 Indian migrants were deported in a similar operation, arriving in Amritsar on a US military C-17 transport aircraft.

PM Modi's Stand on Illegal Migration and Human Trafficking

The deportations coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US, where he engaged in high-level discussions with President Trump, including immigration policies. Addressing the media, PM Modi reiterated India’s willingness to accept its citizens who have illegally migrated to the US. He highlighted that many of these individuals were misled by human traffickers, promising a crackdown on such exploitative networks.

"Many of these migrants were misled with false promises. Our larger fight is against the human trafficking ecosystem that exploits vulnerable individuals. India and the US must work together to dismantle this network," PM Modi stated during a joint press conference with Trump.

Controversy Over the Treatment of Deportees

Despite the government’s commitment to taking back Indian nationals, the treatment of deportees has sparked significant controversy. Reports indicate that deportees have been handcuffed and shackled during their flights, a security measure enforced by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to prevent escape or disruptions.

However, many critics argue that such measures are excessive and dehumanizing for individuals whose only offense is an immigration violation. Opposition leaders in India have demanded the central government intervene and ensure that deportees are treated with dignity.

EAM Jaishankar's Response

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the issue in Parliament, assuring lawmakers that New Delhi is engaging with US officials to prevent mistreatment of Indian deportees.

"While we respect immigration laws, we also insist that our citizens be treated with dignity and respect during deportation. We are in touch with US authorities to ensure humane treatment," Jaishankar stated.

Challenges for India Amidst Increasing US Immigration Restrictions

The Trump administration’s strict immigration policies have affected thousands of Indian migrants, placing pressure on the Indian government to manage reintegration efforts effectively. As deportations continue, India faces the challenge of curbing illegal migration through stronger border controls and diplomatic negotiations.

The return of these deportees is expected to trigger further discussions on international migration policies, human rights considerations, and the role of bilateral cooperation between India and the US in handling immigration matters.