New Delhi : The United States announced on Saturday (IST) the deportation of several Indian nationals who had entered the country illegally, with a chartered flight facilitating their return to India earlier this week. While the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) refrained from disclosing the exact number of deportees, the move underscores a broader campaign aimed at curbing unauthorized immigration and promoting lawful migration pathways.
In an official statement, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced, “On October 22, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), under the DHS, carried out a large-scale chartered deportation flight to India, repatriating Indian nationals who did not have legal authorization to stay in the United States.”
Kristie A. Canegallo, a senior DHS official, underlined the department’s uncompromising stance on unauthorized immigration, saying, “Indians without legal status in the US are subject to swift removal, and prospective migrants should not be misled by smugglers’ false claims.” She further cautioned against human trafficking networks, adding, “We are actively targeting transnational criminal organizations that exploit vulnerable migrants for profit, ensuring they face severe consequences.”
The DHS reiterated its commitment to enforcing immigration laws, highlighting the consequences for those entering the US illegally. “We encourage migrants to utilize lawful pathways for immigration to avoid the risks and hardships associated with unauthorized entry,” the department added. Since the implementation of the *Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation* and its accompanying *Interim Final Rule* in June 2024, encounters at the southwest border ports have reportedly decreased by 55%, reflecting the administration’s focus on deterring illegal crossings.
In addition to the deportations, the DHS revealed an ongoing effort to expand international partnerships for streamlining repatriation processes. Since June 2024, the DHS has facilitated the return of over 160,000 individuals through more than 495 international deportation flights to 145 countries, including India. The statement highlighted, “These efforts are made possible through strong partnerships with foreign governments, ensuring the efficient repatriation of their citizens who do not have legal authorization to remain in the United States.”
The department also emphasized its focus on addressing the root causes of irregular migration by encouraging safe and lawful options. In coordination with other US agencies, DHS is working to provide accurate information to migrants about legal avenues to enter the country and the risks associated with unauthorized travel.
Deportations over the past year have included individuals from countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Uzbekistan, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), and India. “In FY2024, DHS removed or returned more individuals than in any year since FY2010, and the department is actively expanding its removal flight operations,” DHS noted.
The broader US immigration policy has also drawn criticism and praise. Advocacy groups have called for more humane treatment of deportees, urging the US to ensure that deportation procedures respect international human rights standards. Conversely, border security proponents have welcomed the recent measures as a necessary step to protect national sovereignty and deter unlawful migration.
The Biden administration’s recent initiatives reflect a dual approach: strict enforcement of immigration laws while promoting awareness of legal migration options. The DHS reaffirmed its long-term commitment to preventing irregular migration, protecting migrants from exploitation, and addressing the challenges posed by global migration trends.
