News Brief
India Raises Concerns Over US Deportation Practices After Shackling Of Deportees On Military Flight
Showing Indian Immigrants In The USA (File Photo)
The Indian government has formally raised concerns with the US administration over the treatment of 104 alleged Indian immigrants who were deported on 5 February aboard a 42-hour US military flight, reported The Hindu.
The deportees, including women and children, were reportedly shackled in leg restraints and handcuffs, sparking outrage in India’s Parliament and criticism of the government’s response.
Concerns Over Treatment of Women and Children
The Indian government had reportedly objected to the handling of women and children, but sidestepped questions on whether a formal diplomatic protest had been issued.
According to the deportees' claim, women were handcuffed, and children were restrained with ropes around their legs, contradicting previous US assurances that “women and children are not restrained” on deportation flights.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had previously informed Parliament that the US had assured India such practices were not followed.
However, the recent first-hand accounts suggest otherwise, prompting further diplomatic discussions.
More Deportations Expected Amid Growing US Crackdown
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the US has already identified 487 more Indians for deportation under its “final removal list”.
When asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would raise the issue with President Donald Trump, the MEA stated that “American and Indian officials are engaging” on the matter at multiple levels.
Use of Military Flights Raises Concerns
One of the most controversial aspects of the deportation was the use of a US military aircraft, which India described as unprecedented.
The Trump administration has used military flights as a tactic to pressure countries into accepting deported nationals, instead of the usual charter or commercial flights.
The MEA acknowledged that it remains unclear whether future deportations will follow past procedures or continue using military aircraft.
The practice has drawn sharp criticism from other nations, including Brazil and Colombia, which have condemned such deportations as “inhumane” and “undignified”.
India’s Undocumented Population in the US
According to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), over 24,000 Indians have been detained for immigration violations, and an estimated 7.25 lakh undocumented Indians are currently residing in the US.
