US immigration crackdown: Indian citizen detained for ‘Assault with Sexual motivation’

Washington: An Indian citizen has been arrested in the United States on charges of "assault with sexual motivation," as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal immigrants. The individual, identified as 29-year-old Jaspal Singh, was taken into custody in Tukwila, Washington, on January 29, alongside three others from Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador. The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Seattle, confirmed the arrests last week, stating that all four individuals would remain in ICE custody pending further legal proceedings.

ICE crackdown on illegal criminals continues

Drew Bostock, Director of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations in Seattle, emphasized the agency’s commitment to ensuring public safety. "Protecting our communities and preventing further victimization is of paramount importance to ICE throughout the Pacific Northwest,” Bostock stated. “These arrests reinforce the message that the presence of illegal criminal threats will not be tolerated," he added, underlining the strict stance the US government has taken against undocumented migrants involved in criminal activities.

Trump’s anti-immigration drive in full swing

Since taking office, President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to deport illegal immigrants. Federal immigration authorities have arrested more than 8,000 individuals since Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The administration’s stringent policies have led to an increase in detentions and deportations, with a particular focus on those facing criminal charges.

104 Indians deported as US tightens immigration policies

Amid the immigration crackdown, a US military C-17 Globemaster aircraft carrying 104 Indian deportees landed at Amritsar airport on Wednesday. These individuals were among the 487 presumed Indian nationals who had been issued removal orders by US authorities.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri addressed concerns regarding the treatment of deportees, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.

"We will continue to take up any instances of mistreatment that come to our attention. Action needs to be taken across the system against the underlying ecosystem that thrives on promoting illegal immigration,” Misri stated, assuring that the Indian government would engage with US officials on the matter.