New Delhi [India]: Following reports of a US military plane deporting migrants to India, a US Embassy spokesperson has stated that the United States is vigorously enforcing its border and immigration laws to deter illegal migration.
US Embassy Issues Statement on Deportation
The US Embassy spokesperson addressed the issue but refrained from sharing specific details. However, they emphasized that these actions are meant to send a “clear message” that illegal migration is not worth the risk.
“I have received a number of inquiries on the report of a deportation flight to India. I can’t share any details on those inquiries, but I can share, on the record, that 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 spokesperson stated.
US Military Plane Deports Migrants to India
According to Reuters, citing US officials, a US military aircraft deported migrants to India, marking the farthest destination for such flights under the Trump administration.
🔹 A C-17 military aircraft carried migrants from the US.
🔹 The flight would take 24 hours to reach India.
🔹 The Pentagon has initiated deportation flights for over 5,000 immigrants detained in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California.
🔹 So far, military aircraft have deported migrants to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras.
Military deportation flights are expensive, with Reuters estimating a recent flight to Guatemala costing USD 4,675 per migrant.
India’s Response: MEA Reaffirms Stance on Illegal Immigration
On January 24, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated its policy against illegal immigration, asserting that Indian nationals without legal documentation would be facilitated for return if verified as Indian citizens.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated:
“We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organized crime.”
He further clarified that India would cooperate in repatriating its nationals, provided their citizenship is verified through proper documentation.
“For Indians not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals and they are overstaying, or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality and that they are indeed Indians.”
Tighter US Immigration Policies Under Trump Administration
The Trump administration has intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration, with policies aimed at:
✔ Tightening border security
✔ Strictly enforcing deportations
✔ Increasing military involvement in immigration enforcement
With immigration policy emerging as a key issue ahead of the 2024 US Presidential elections, more deportations and border security measures are expected in the coming months.
This latest deportation flight underscores the growing US-India cooperation on immigration issues, while also raising concerns about the future of undocumented migrants in America.