US to deport 600 more Indians: Shackling of migrants sparks outrage

World News: The United States is set to deport nearly 600 more illegal Indian migrants, a move that has sparked significant concern in India following reports of inhumane treatment of deportees. Images of men and women shackled during a 40-hour military flight to Amritsar have triggered outrage, prompting the Indian government to raise the issue with US authorities. According to sources, the US had earlier issued final removal orders for 487 presumed Indian citizens, while another 203 migrants were detained in January, mostly along the US-Mexico border. Of this group, 104 have already been deported, while India has verified the nationality of 96 more individuals, who are expected to be sent back soon. This brings the total number of pending deportations to 586.

India engages with US on deportation process

During a media briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that India has been in constant dialogue with US authorities regarding these deportations. "We have been very transparent on this issue with our US counterparts," he stated.

Misri also addressed the shackling and mistreatment of deportees, emphasizing that such actions should be avoided. "We have raised our concerns, and we continue to urge US authorities to ensure humane treatment of deportees," he added. The Indian government has formally conveyed its discontent over reports of women being restrained during deportation flights.

Opposition targets government over deportation issue

The deportation controversy has led to political turmoil in India, with Opposition parties, including the Congress, Trinamool Congress (TMC), and Samajwadi Party (SP), disrupting Lok Sabha proceedings on Thursday. Lawmakers demanded accountability over the reported mistreatment, forcing the House to be adjourned amid protests.

Several deportees, including women, spoke to Indian media about their harrowing experiences, describing how they were shackled throughout the flight, making it difficult to even use the restroom.

US immigration policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Misri acknowledged that US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has longstanding SOPs for deportation flights, which allow the use of restraints. However, he pointed out that India had not previously raised objections against these procedures. The use of a C-17 military aircraft for deportations was reportedly due to the US classifying the operation as a “national security measure.”

Future deportations and India’s stance on illegal migration

With thousands of Indian nationals still residing illegally in the US, further deportations are likely. However, India has insisted on verifying the nationality of each deportee before accepting them.

Misri rejected claims that India was being uncooperative in the deportation process, instead pointing to organized human trafficking networks as the root cause. “The real cancer is the ecosystem promoting illegal migration. Criminal gangs mislead innocent people, take large sums of money, and traffic them across borders. Action must be taken to dismantle this entire network,” he asserted.