Moving ahead with President Donald Trump’s deportation plans, the United States has begun deporting migrants to India. Reports stated that a US military plane carrying migrants has flown from Texas to India. This marks the farthest destination for deportation flights under the Trump administration, so far. The official, who requested anonymity, said that the Pentagon has begun providing flights to deport over 5,000 immigrants held in US facilities in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California.
‘NDTV’ reported that a total of 205 Indian nationals, who had entered US illegally have been deported on a US military aircraft that took off from Texas about six hours back. The report further added that each deported Indian national is verified, which indicates New Delhi’s involvement in the deportation process. A C-17 US military aircraft is reportedly bringing the Indian nationals back home.
MEA On Deportation
Notably, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on January 24, had stated that it would facilitate the return of Indian nationals “overstaying” or residing without proper documentation in the United States or “anywhere in the world.”
During a press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organised crime.”
He added, “For Indians not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals and they are overstaying, or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality and that they are indeed Indians. If that happens to be the case, we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had announced on January 24 that “the largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway.” Sharing a post on X, Leavitt said, “Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences.”
