Tripura has arrested 3,705 foreign nationals for entering India without valid documents since 2022, amid heightened concerns over cross-border infiltration and a renewed push to strengthen security along the state's border with Bangladesh.
According to figures released by the Home Department, the majority of those apprehended, 3,463 individuals, were Bangladeshi nationals. The remaining detainees included Rohingyas and citizens from several African, European and Asian countries.
The state government has simultaneously intensified border surveillance and internal security measures. During the Budget Session of the Assembly earlier this year, Chief Minister Manik Saha said Special Task Forces (STFs) had been established in all eight districts following political developments in Bangladesh and based on directives issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The chief minister said the STFs were tasked with detecting illegal border crossings as well as monitoring activities linked to terrorism, organised crime, drug trafficking and extremist networks. He also reiterated the government's commitment to preventing unauthorised entry and curbing the use of forged identity documents.
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Tripura shares an 856-km international border with Bangladesh. While most of the frontier has been fenced, around 21 km remains uncovered owing to terrain-related and logistical challenges.
Security agencies have reported heightened vigilance along the border since unrest in Bangladesh intensified in 2024. Border Security Force personnel have strengthened patrolling and surveillance operations to prevent infiltration and other trans-border crimes.
Government data show that 965 Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in 2022, followed by 1,014 in 2023 and 947 in 2024. So far in 2025, authorities have apprehended 537 Bangladeshi nationals.
Most of those detained have been repatriated following legal and diplomatic procedures. However, 220 foreign nationals remain lodged in various prisons across the state. Among those arrested since 2022 were 227 Rohingyas, while others included nationals from countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Guinea, France and Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Tripura High Court has directed the state government to submit a comprehensive report within three months on measures taken to prevent illegal infiltration. The order came while hearing a petition filed by three individuals, including Ranjit Debbarma, who has alleged that illegal immigration poses a serious challenge to the state's security and indigenous communities.
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