Second US Deportation Flight To Arrive in Amritsar Today With 119 Indian Migrants

On Saturday, another chapter unfolded in the US’s stringent immigration policy under President Donald Trump, as a C-17 Globemaster III military aircraft to land in Amritsar with 119 Indian nationals who were deemed illegal immigrants. This group includes 67 individuals from Punjab, highlighting the state’s significant involvement in this wave of deportations.

The deportees hail from various states: 33 from Haryana, eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two from Rajasthan and Maharashtra each, and one each from Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. This marks the second deportation flight to Amritsar this month, following a similar operation on February 5 where 104 Indians were returned.

This round of deportations follows closely after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the US, where immigration was a key discussion point. PM Modi’s commitment to repatriating Indian nationals was clear, but the manner of their return has stirred controversy. The use of handcuffs and shackles by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for security reasons has been heavily criticized as inhumane, particularly since these individuals were not convicted of crimes beyond immigration violations.

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The treatment led to significant debate in the Indian Parliament, with opposition leaders pushing for an inquiry into the deportation process. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed these concerns, promising engagement with US authorities to ensure more humane treatment in future deportations.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has vocally opposed the choice of Amritsar as the deportation destination, suggesting it’s a deliberate move to tarnish Punjab’s image. He raised security concerns due to Amritsar’s proximity to Pakistan, questioning the strategic decisions behind these flights. Mann’s comments reflect a broader discontent with how these deportations are being handled and the potential political motives behind them.

With another flight expected on February 16, the focus is now on how India will handle the reintegration of these returnees. The challenge for the Indian government is not only administrative but also diplomatic, as it continues to negotiate with the US on immigration matters.