EAM S Jaishankar  for the first time spoke about deportation of Indian nationals from the United States. Addressing the issue in the Rajya Sabha, S Jaishankar stated that it is the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad. EAM informed that the deportation by the US were organised and executed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authority.

“The SOP of deportation by aircraft used by ICE which is effective from 2012 provides for the use of restraint.  We have been informed by ICE that women and children are not restrained,” added Jaishankar.

What Did EAM Say?

EAM assured that the Indian government is engaging with the US government to ensure the safe return of the deportees. “We are engaging the US govt to ensure that the deportees not be mistreated in any manner. At the same time, the House will appreciate that our focus should be on the strong crackdown against the illegal immigration industry. On the basis of information provided by the deportees, law enforcement agencies will take necessary, preventive and exemplary action against the agents and such agencies,” added Jaishankar.

EAM further said, “It is in our collective interest to encourage legal mobility and discourage illegal movement…It is the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad….The process of deportation is not a new one.”

104 Indian Nationals Deported

Notably, the US Air Force plane carrying Indian citizens who illegally migrated to the United States arrived in Punjab’s Amritsar on Wednesday. A US military C-17 Globemaster military aircraft landed with 104 Indian nationals. Speaking on the deportation, a US Embassy spokesperson said that while specific details cannot be shared, the US is vigorously enforcing its border and immigration laws. A video has now been shared by Chief of the U.S. Border Patrol, Michael W. Banks which shows the deportees boarding the aircraft.