In a highly publicised deportation operation, the United States returned 104 Indian nationals aboard a military aircraft, marking a significant development in President Donald Trump's intensified crackdown on illegal immigration.
Visuals of the deportees, hands cuffed and feet shackled, boarding the C-17 transport plane have triggered political uproar and drawn sharp criticism from immigration experts and human rights advocates.
The US Border Patrol (USBP) Chief Michael W Banks shared the video on social media, hailing the operation as the "farthest deportation flight yet using military transport."
He added, "This mission underscores our commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring swift removals."
The deportees, mostly apprehended at the US-Mexico border, travelled from San Antonio, Texas, to Amritsar under tightly controlled conditions.
Several passengers reportedly stated that they were kept in chains throughout the flight, being unshackled only upon landing.
The operation has sparked intense debate in India, with opposition parties demanding a parliamentary discussion during the ongoing Budget Session.
Noisy protests led to adjournments in both houses as MPs expressed outrage over the "degrading treatment" of Indian nationals abroad.
Also read: US deportation of Indian nationals sparks row in Parliament
A former Indian diplomat voiced concerns over the handling of the deportation, stating, "While the US has the right to enforce its immigration laws, the manner in which Indian deportees were treated raises serious human rights concerns. These are not criminals; they are economic migrants who took risks for a better future."
The US Embassy in India released a statement reiterating Washington's hard-line approach.
"If you cross illegally, you will be removed. Enforcing our nation's immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the US," the statement read.
The costs of the flight were borne by the US military, which coordinated with the USBP and partner agencies.
Banks warned potential border crossers, "If you cross illegally, you will be removed."
Among the deportees, 33 hailed from Haryana and Gujarat each, followed by 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh.
The deportation visuals have prompted immigration experts to criticise the use of shackles, deeming it "degrading and unnecessary."
Human rights activists have urged the Indian government to take up the matter diplomatically with US authorities.
Despite public outrage, the Centre has yet to issue an official statement.
However, political analysts predict that the issue will remain contentious during the parliamentary session, reflecting rising concerns over the welfare of Indian migrants abroad.
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