A fourth group of illegal immigrants from India deported by the US landed in Delhi today, officials said. The group flew back via Panama. Of the 12 onboard, four returned to Amritsar, Punjab.
The first round of deportations took place on 5 February. A US military aircraft transported 104 Indians to Amritsar. The move has drawn criticism.
In response, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said deportations from the US have been happening for years. He assured that India is working with US authorities to ensure fair treatment of returnees.
Nearly 300 deportees are being held in a hotel in Panama. Authorities are working to return them to their home countries. However, about 40 per cent have refused voluntary repatriation. UN agencies are now exploring alternative destinations. Concerns have been raised over their confinement in Panama. The US is covering the costs of their stay.
Also read: Indian nationals deported from US begin journey to home states
Panama has become a key transit point for deportees. Its President, Jose Raul Mulino, agreed to allow his country to serve as a "bridge" for migrants being sent back.
Former US President Donald Trump has defended the deportations. He said his administration was “draining the swamp by sending home fraudsters, cheaters, globalists, and deep state bureaucrats.” Mass deportation of undocumented migrants has been a key part of his policy.
According to the Pew Research Centre, unauthorised immigrants made up 3.3 per cent of the total US population in 2022. They also accounted for 23 per cent of the foreign-born population.
Meanwhile, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been directed to track down unaccompanied migrant children who entered illegally. A memo reviewed by Reuters outlines this plan. It details four phases of implementation, beginning with a planning phase on 27 January. However, it does not specify when enforcement operations will start.
Since 2019, more than 600,000 unaccompanied minors have crossed the US-Mexico border. The number of migrants caught crossing illegally has reached record levels.
The deportations have raised questions about US immigration policy. Critics argue that the process lacks transparency and fairness. Concerns over the treatment of deportees continue to grow.
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