In a surprising escalation of immigration enforcement, a U.S. military aircraft landed in Amritsar, India, on Wednesday, deporting a group of undocumented Indian immigrants. This marks the first time the U.S. has used military resources to deport Indian nationals, signaling a new, more aggressive approach under President Donald Trump’s renewed immigration agenda.
Local reports vary on the exact number of deportees, with some claiming as many as 205 individuals were aboard the flight, while others suggest the figure is closer to 104. Most of the deported individuals are believed to be from Punjab, where Amritsar is located, and Gujarat, another state known for significant emigration to the U.S.
A First in U.S.-India Immigration Relations
While the deportation of illegal immigrants isn’t new, the use of a military plane for such operations is unprecedented. Previous U.S. administrations have relied on commercial or chartered flights for deportations, but this is the first time Washington has turned to military aircraft for the task, marking the farthest destination yet for such operations.
The deportation comes as part of the Trump administration’s broader crackdown on illegal immigration. The U.S. military has increasingly been involved, not just in deportations but also in housing migrants on military bases. This reflects Trump’s hardline stance, which has been a defining feature of his policies since returning to office last month.
Diplomatic Conversations and Tensions
Migration has become a central issue in discussions between the U.S. and India. President Trump is expected to address it in an upcoming meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scheduled for next week in Washington. The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, also emphasized the need to work with India on irregular migration during a recent meeting with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
India, in response, has agreed to verify the identities of deported individuals before accepting them back. While India and the U.S. share strong trade and strategic ties, such incidents could test diplomatic relations, especially considering India’s interest in securing more skilled worker visas for its citizens.
The Bigger Picture
The U.S. plans to deport over 5,000 migrants currently in custody, according to Pentagon sources. Deportation flights, such as a recent one to Guatemala, have proven costly, with estimates reaching $4,675 per migrant. This latest deportation to India highlights the Trump administration’s willingness to bear these costs in pursuit of its immigration objectives.
As the story unfolds, it’s clear that the use of military planes for deportations could set a new precedent, raising questions about the future of U.S.-India relations and the global handling of immigration policies.
