New Delhi: The recent deportation of 228 illegal Indian migrants from the US has triggered a political storm in India, particularly after visuals of shackled deportees went viral. The deportations occurred in three batches, with the latest flights arriving in Amritsar on February 15 and 16. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that while men were restrained, women and children were not shackled during these flights.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar assured that India is engaging with the US to ensure humane treatment of deportees. The US Embassy defended its actions, stating that enforcing immigration laws is critical to national security. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized India’s commitment to taking back its illegal citizens but called for stronger action against human trafficking networks.
Reports also surfaced of Indian migrants being sent to Panama and Costa Rica under a US transit arrangement. Authorities are verifying the status of Indians in these regions, with plans for repatriation. Many deportees, primarily from Punjab, had attempted to enter the US for better opportunities but were detained and returned. India remains the third-largest source of undocumented migrants to the US after Mexico and El Salvador.
