US military aircraft carrying 205 deported Indian immigrants to land in Amritsar today

A US military C-17 aircraft carrying 205 Indian nationals who were deported from the United States is scheduled to land at Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport in Amritsar later today. The deportees, primarily from Punjab and surrounding regions, were removed as part of the US government’s efforts to enforce stricter immigration laws, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration. The flight, which took off from San Antonio, Texas, was originally set to land in the morning but has been delayed and is now expected to arrive in the afternoon.

The Punjab government has confirmed its readiness to receive and assist the deportees at the airport. Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav stated that the state will set up dedicated counters at the airport to process the deportees’ arrival. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said that the state government is in close communication with the Central Government and is prepared to handle the situation. The Ministry of External Affairs has also been informed, with officials monitoring the deportation closely.

Reports suggest that many of the deportees had initially entered the United States legally on work permits but became undocumented after their visas expired. Others reportedly entered through illegal migration routes, commonly known as “donkey routes”, which are informal and often dangerous paths used by migrants from countries like India to cross the US border without authorization. These migrants typically pay large sums to smugglers to facilitate their illegal entry into the US. The current deportation is part of the US government's heightened immigration enforcement, which has become more aggressive since Trump assumed office for a second term in January 2025.

The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has been actively involved in carrying out the deportations. According to ICE data, between 2018 and 2023, 5,477 Indian nationals were deported from the United States. The deportation rate peaked in 2020, with 2,312 Indian nationals removed during the first term of President Trump. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has also reported a surge in attempts by Indian nationals to enter the US illegally. In fiscal year 2023, a record 96,917 Indian nationals were apprehended trying to cross the US border without authorization.

This mass deportation coincides with the upcoming visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the United States. This will be Modi’s first visit to Washington after Trump’s re-election. Immigration-related issues are expected to be discussed during the visit, particularly concerning the deportation of Indian nationals and the challenges they face. The Indian government has reiterated its readiness to accept deported individuals, contingent upon verification processes. India has also emphasized the importance of ensuring the rights of Indian nationals abroad and safeguarding their welfare through diplomatic engagement with the US.