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In a significant move, the U.S. has begun deporting undocumented Indian migrants using military aircraft as part of its intensified immigration crackdown. A U.S. Air Force C-17 carrying Indian deportees recently departed from the U.S. and is expected to land in India in over 24 hours. The Pentagon has also initiated the deportation of more than 5,000 migrants detained in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California, using military flights, including individuals from Honduras, Peru, and Guatemala.
India’s Response to Mass Deportations
The Indian government has expressed its willingness to assist the U.S. administration in the deportation process. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised India’s stance on illegal migration, stating, “India is against illegal migration.”
India’s share of illegal migrants in the U.S. is relatively small compared to other countries. Approximately 3% of all undocumented migrants in the U.S. are Indians. Estimates suggest that around 2,20,000 Indian migrants reside in the U.S., of which 18,000 have been officially identified as illegal by both governments.
Military Deportations: A Costly and Controversial Move
The U.S. military’s involvement in deportation efforts has sparked criticism due to the high costs associated with such operations. Previous deportation flights to Guatemala reportedly cost $4,675 per migrant, making flights to India an even more expensive undertaking.
This military-backed strategy aligns with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration stance. Trump has reportedly considered invoking an obscure 18th-century wartime law to fast-track mass deportations if re-elected.
Trump-Modi Meeting: Immigration on the Agenda
In a related development, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to the White House next week to meet President Donald Trump. The leaders are expected to discuss immigration policies, the purchase of American security equipment, and the future of India-U.S. trade relations.
While India aims to improve trade ties and secure easier visa access for skilled Indian workers, Trump’s administration has been critical of India’s tariff policies. The outcome of this high-profile meeting may determine how both nations approach immigration issues moving forward.
What’s Next?
As deportation flights continue, human rights organisations have raised concerns about the treatment of migrants and the precedent set by using military resources for repatriations. However, the Trump administration insists these measures are necessary for national security and job protection.
With India’s willingness to cooperate, the deportation process is expected to accelerate in the coming months. The Modi-Trump discussions could further shape the fate of undocumented Indian migrants in the U.S.
