The deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the United States has triggered a major political uproar in India, with opposition parties condemning the "inhumane treatment" of deportees and demanding accountability from the government. The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that the deportees, many of whom were from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, were forcibly restrained with handcuffs and ankle chains during their return flight on a US Air Force aircraft. A video released by US Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks showed the deportees being led onto the aircraft in restraints, further fueling outrage.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha, explaining that the use of restraints was a part of the US standard operating procedure (SOP) for deportations and not a new practice. He assured that the Indian government was engaging with US authorities to ensure that deported Indian nationals were not mistreated. While confirming that male deportees were restrained, he clarified that women and children were not subjected to the same measures. He also emphasized that the deportees were provided with food and medical assistance during the 10-hour journey.
However, Jaishankar also highlighted the need for India to focus on tackling illegal immigration networks, which have led to many individuals seeking unlawful entry into foreign countries. "Our concern should be on preventing illegal migration and protecting our citizens from being exploited by such networks," he stated.
Despite the minister's clarification, the opposition intensified its protests, demanding a stronger diplomatic response to what they called a "national embarrassment." Congress leaders, including KC Venugopal and Shashi Tharoor, led demonstrations outside Parliament, wearing mock handcuffs as a symbol of protest. Venugopal moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, seeking a debate on the deportation and questioning the Centre's diplomatic efforts in safeguarding the rights and dignity of Indian citizens abroad.
Shashi Tharoor criticized the handling of the deportations, stating, "The United States has every right to deport illegal immigrants, but how it was done—sending them back on a military aircraft in handcuffs—was deeply humiliating. It sends the wrong message about India and its people." Other opposition MPs echoed similar sentiments, with some calling for immediate discussions with US officials to prevent future occurrences of such incidents.
The deportation was part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration under former US President Donald Trump’s administration, which had intensified efforts to remove undocumented individuals from the country. Over the past year, there has been an increase in the number of Indians attempting to enter the US illegally, often through risky routes like the Mexico border. Several human trafficking cases have also come to light, with reports of Indian migrants paying hefty sums to agents for unauthorized entry into the US and Canada.
While the deportation issue continues to create ripples in Parliament, the Indian government is also working on strengthening legal pathways for migration, ensuring that those seeking opportunities abroad do so through authorized and regulated channels. The Ministry of External Affairs is expected to issue further statements regarding its engagement with US officials on the matter. Meanwhile, affected families of the deported individuals are seeking legal recourse, with some planning to challenge their deportation cases in US courts.
With tensions running high, the government faces increasing pressure to address both the immediate diplomatic fallout and the larger issue of illegal immigration. As the opposition continues to push for a formal response, the debate over the treatment of deported Indian nationals is likely to remain a key topic in political discourse in the coming weeks.
