104 Indian Citizens Deported from the U.S. on Military Aircraft, Officials Report
At least 104 Indian citizens were deported from the United States on a military aircraft late Tuesday night, according to officials from India’s Punjab state. The deportations come as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to curb illegal immigration, with military planes now being used to transport migrants.
A Long Flight Home
The C-17 military aircraft, which primarily carried migrants from India’s Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab states, landed in Amritsar, Punjab, on Wednesday afternoon. This marked the longest flight to date since the Trump administration began using military planes for migrant deportations, as reported by a U.S. official.
Hardships of Migration
Family members of some of the deported individuals shared their stories of the difficult journey to the U.S. and the heartbreak of being sent back. Manriasat Singh, whose cousin Akashdeep Singh, 23, was on the deportation flight, told CNN that his cousin sounded “low” when they spoke after his return.
Akashdeep had spent nearly $60,000—funds raised by selling two-thirds of his family’s land—to travel to the U.S. He arrived in January, but shortly after, he was detained and deported. Manriasat shared his family’s mixed feelings: “His parents are happy he’s not spending ten years in jail. At least he’s alive,” he said.
Surge in Illegal Migration from India
Akashdeep’s experience reflects a growing trend. In just four years, the number of Indian citizens attempting to enter the U.S. illegally has skyrocketed. From 8,027 in the 2018-2019 fiscal year, the figure jumped to 96,917 during the 2022-2023 period, according to government data.
A significant portion of these undocumented migrants are young Indians seeking better work opportunities. Many have risked dangerous journeys, traversing Latin America to reach the U.S. southern border, in pursuit of a better life.
A Story of Sacrifice and Disappointment
Lakbhir Singh, a former village leader from Punjab, knew one of the deported individuals personally. He described the family’s devastation, noting that they had sold their property and spent thousands of dollars sending their son abroad, only to have him returned. “The family is distraught,” Lakbhir said.
In many parts of India, especially in Punjab, unemployment is a driving force behind the migration trend. Young people are increasingly leaving in search of better opportunities. “The youth want to live a good life,” Lakbhir explained. “The government should address the core problem instead of just highlighting the issue on television.”
Calls for Action from Indian Leaders
While the Indian government has committed to receiving its deported citizens back, local leaders are urging more efforts to tackle the root causes of migration.
Punjab State Minister of Non-resident Indian Affairs, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, spoke to local media on Wednesday, expressing his concern. He urged the Indian government to take further steps, specifically recommending that Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet with U.S. President Donald Trump to find a solution to the ongoing issue.
“I especially request that Prime Minister Modi sit with President Trump and find a solution to whatever is happening or is going to happen,” Dhaliwal said.
As the deportations continue, questions remain about how both the Indian and U.S. governments will address the rising trend of illegal migration and the deeper issues driving it.
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