Indian migrants in chains! US post video days ahead of PM Modi’s visit to country, says ‘returned illegal aliens to…’, watch video

This latest deportation of Indians highlights the US government’s aggressive measures to enforce immigration laws and gives a strong warning to those attempting to cross borders illegally.

Written by: Anirudha Yerunkar Edited by: Anirudha Yerunkar

Published: February 6, 2025, 3:23 PM IST

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https://www.india.com/news/world/indian-migrants-in-chains-us-post-video-days-ahead-of-pm-modis-visit-to-country-says-returned-illegal-aliens-to-india-watch-video-7596043/ Copy

United States Customs and Border Protection (USBP) Chief Michael W. Banks on Thursday shared a video showcasing the deportation of 104 Indian nationals who had entered the US illegally. The migrants, representing various Indian states, were returned on a US military aircraft, marking the first large-scale deportation under a renewed crackdown on illegal immigration.

Deportation Of Indians

The group of deportees, including 33 individuals from Gujarat, 33 from Haryana, 30 from Punjab, three each from Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra, and two from Chandigarh, comprised 19 women and 13 minors. They were flown back on a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft and landed in India on Wednesday. Those from Punjab were escorted to their native places from Amritsar airport in police vehicles.

USBP’s Statement

Sharing the video on X (formerly Twitter), USBP Chief Michael W. Banks emphasized the US government’s firm stance on illegal immigration. He wrote, “USBP and partners successfully returned illegal aliens to India, marking the farthest deportation flight yet using military transport. This mission underscores our commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring swift removals. If you cross illegally, you will be removed.”

The video displayed the deportees boarding the aircraft, underscoring the strong message sent by US authorities regarding illegal border crossings.

USBP and partners successfully returned illegal aliens to India, marking the farthest deportation flight yet using military transport. This mission underscores our commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring swift removals.

If you cross illegally, you will be removed. pic.twitter.com/WW4OWYzWOf

— Chief Michael W. Banks (@USBPChief) February 5, 2025

Security And Screening

Upon arrival in India, the deportees were interrogated by various government agencies, including the Punjab Police and state and central intelligence bodies. Authorities checked for any criminal records among the deported individuals before releasing them.

Timing Ahead of High-Level Talks

The deportation comes just days ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Washington, DC, where he is set to hold wide-ranging discussions with US President Donald Trump. The timing of the action underscores the US administration’s hardline stance on immigration enforcement.

Trump’s Immigration Crackdown

President Donald Trump has been vocal about his stringent anti-immigration policies since his campaign days. During his inauguration speech in January 2025, Trump reiterated his commitment to halting illegal immigration, stating, “All illegal entry will be immediately halted, and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of illegal aliens back to the places from which they came.”