In a significant development, 33 natives of Gujarat were among 112 Indians deported from the United States for illegal immigration. They returned home on 17 February 2025, after flights from Amritsar landed at Ahmedabad Airport. This marks the third such deportation in the past 12 days, bringing the total number of repatriated Gujaratis to 78.
The deportees, many of whom had spent years in the US, endured severe hardships while being held in detention centers. Reports indicate that they faced mistreatment, including being handcuffed and having their legs chained during deportation. Additionally, some Sikh deportees alleged that their turbans were forcibly removed, drawing criticism from the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
The US government has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration, particularly from countries like India, leading to a surge in deportations. This initiative is part of an agreement between US and Indian authorities to repatriate Indian nationals who have overstayed visas or entered illegally. The deportations have ignited global debates on human rights, the treatment of detainees, and immigration policies.
Upon arrival, the deportees were received by their families at Ahmedabad Airport. The Gujarat government has pledged assistance to help them reintegrate into society. In the coming days, discussions on legal support for those seeking to return to the U.S. or explore alternative immigration pathways are expected to intensify.
This wave of deportations underscores the growing challenge of illegal immigration and the evolving dynamics of US-India relations, particularly regarding migration policies and human rights. As more deportations are anticipated in the months ahead, the need for stronger legal frameworks and opportunities for safe, legal migration has become increasingly urgent.
