ISLAMABAD: The Government of India has confirmed that a record 3,258 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States since January 2025, according to information tabled in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) on Thursday by External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and available on the ministry’s website.
Responding to a question raised by MP Ramji Lal Suman, the ministry on December 4 stated that deportations typically involve individuals who illegally entered the US, overstayed their visas, lacked valid documentation, or had criminal convictions.
All deportations occur only after clear verification of Indian nationality.
According to the official statement, 2,032 deportees (62.3%) returned on regular commercial flights, while 1,226 (37.6%) were brought back on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) charter flights.
Use of shackles
The ministry said it remains in close touch with US authorities to ensure deportees are treated humanely.
It noted that concerns regarding the use of shackles, particularly on women and children, have been strongly conveyed to the US side.
The ministry added that no case of women or children being shackled has been reported since the deportation flight of February 5.
US officials have informed India that the ICE restraining policy, in place since November 19, 2012, is part of standard operating procedures to maintain safety on deportation flights.
While women and minors are generally not restrained, the flight officer in charge may decide otherwise in the interest of safety.
The US cited past incidents of violence involving deportees as justification for the policy.
The statement also highlighted that wanted criminals and gang members, including individuals accused of serious offences such as terrorism, homicide, and extortion, have been among those deported.
Notably, absconding criminals Lakhwinder Singh and Anmol Bishnoi were returned to India on such flights.
Nearly 19,000 Indian nationals deported
Based on testimonies from deportees, Indian authorities have initiated multiple cases and ongoing investigations against illegal immigration agents, criminal facilitators, and human trafficking syndicates responsible for sending individuals abroad through unlawful means.
Since 2009, a total of 18,822 Indian nationals have been deported from the United States.
The government reiterated that it places the highest priority on the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and continues to work with US authorities to address issues related to illegal immigration and human trafficking.
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