A US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals has landed in Amritsar, marking a significant move under the Trump administration’s intensified immigration crackdown. This operation is part of Trump’s broader strategy to use military resources for mass deportations, a policy he has strongly advocated.
The deportees, the first to be transported to India via military aircraft, were flown from San Antonio, Texas, to the northern Indian city. This development comes just days before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to Washington. Modi has previously expressed admiration for Trump, and both leaders reportedly discussed immigration policies during a recent phone call.
Research from the Pew Research Center indicates that approximately 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants reside in the US, making them the third-largest group after Mexican and Salvadorian nationals. However, other estimates, such as those from the Migration Policy Institute, suggest the number may be closer to 360,000.
While over 1,000 Indians were deported last year on commercial flights, the use of military aircraft adds a symbolic layer to the process, increasing visibility. Reuters reports that deporting individuals on military planes is about five times more expensive than using chartered flights. Trump recently emphasized the significance of this approach, stating that for the first time, illegal immigrants were being transported via military aircraft, reinforcing his administration’s strong stance on immigration.
The US has previously used military planes for deportations to several countries, including Guatemala, Peru, Honduras, and Ecuador. This approach, however, has sparked controversy. Last month, Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to allow two US military planes to land, arguing that his citizens were not being treated with dignity. The dispute was resolved after Trump threatened tariffs, leading Colombia to send its own airforce planes to repatriate its deported citizens.
Indian media reports suggest that nearly 18,000 Indian nationals are currently awaiting deportation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Indian government has pledged cooperation in these deportations, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating that both nations are working to curb illegal migration while facilitating legal immigration pathways.
However, Punjab minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal criticized the Indian government for not taking a firmer stance against Trump’s immigration measures. He urged Modi’s administration to intervene, emphasizing that many deportees left India seeking livelihoods. He also called on Trump to reconsider his policies on humanitarian grounds.
Despite growing restrictions, immigration to the US remains a priority for many Indians, particularly professionals. Some have turned to Hindu temples believed to offer prayers for securing a US visa, as obtaining legal immigration status has become increasingly challenging under Trump’s executive orders.
