NEW DELHI: The US has begun deporting Indian migrants who entered the country illegally. This marks the first such instance of the US deporting Indian migrants since Donald Trump’s return to the White House.The move represents a significant step in the Trump administration’s broader immigration policy, which has focused on stricter enforcement and the removal of undocumented individuals.A US military C-17 cargo plane was reportedly carrying the first group of deported Indian migrants. The plane, which is en route to India, is expected to take at least 24 hours before it reaches its destination, as indicated by an official familiar with the matter to the news agency.Media reports indicate that the plane is carrying around 205 Indians identified as illegal migrants and is expected to land in Amritsar.The Indian government is yet to make an official statement about the deportations. However, such repatriations have often raised questions regarding the treatment and support of deportees upon their return.Asked about the deportation of illegal migrants to India, a US embassy spokesperson in New Delhi did not provide details, but asserted that Washington is removing illegal migrants.”I can’t share any details on those inquires, but I can share, on the record, the United States is vigorously enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants. These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk,” the official said.Notaby, Bloomberg had earlier reported that the US identified around 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants for deportation, with the majority believed to be from Punjab and Gujarat. It had also noted that the actual number could be higher, as the total population of undocumented Indian migrants in the US remains unclear.
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