Since his return to the presidency for a second term, Donald Trump has been resolute in his stance on “illegal immigration,” a key issue during both his campaigns and his first term in office. With a focus on strengthening border security and cracking down on undocumented migrants, Trump’s administration has launched a series of high-profile operations to send illegal immigrants, including Indians, back to their home countries. Recently, military planes have been used to repatriate thousands of undocumented migrants from various countries, with India being one of the notable nations involved in these repatriations.
The White House has shared images of these operations, in which individuals are seen being escorted and lined up to board military aircraft. This strategy of using military planes to return illegal immigrants to their countries of origin is part of Trump’s broader effort to stem the flow of undocumented migrants into the U.S. from around the world. Prior to the focus on India, similar repatriation efforts were carried out with countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and Peru.
Repatriation of Indian Nationals
India has been a key focus in Trump’s immigration policy, as there is a sizable number of Indian nationals living in the U.S. without legal authorization. The Indian government has been involved in discussions with the Trump administration regarding the return of these individuals. In particular, President Trump had spoken with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the matter, stressing that “India will do the right thing” by accepting the return of its citizens who are residing illegally in the United States.
The U.S. and Indian officials have aligned on the matter, with India’s Foreign Minister, S. Jaishankar, stating that the Indian government has no objection to accepting its citizens back, provided they have overstayed their visas or entered the country unlawfully. The collaboration between the U.S. and India has been seen as part of Trump’s broader immigration strategy, which includes the repatriation of undocumented migrants from countries worldwide.
Statistics and Scale of Repatriations
According to the 2024 Pew Research Report, Indian nationals make up the third-largest group of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., following Mexican and Salvadoran migrants. The statistics reveal that this is a significant issue, with large numbers of Indian nationals living in the U.S. without proper authorization. In the 2024 fiscal year alone, the Biden administration reported the deportation of 1,500 Indian nationals, while the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) sent over 270,000 migrants from 192 different countries back to their homelands. Of these, 1,529 were Indian citizens. These deportations are part of Trump’s broader effort to address illegal immigration.
In addition to the repatriation flights, ICE has been aggressively pursuing individuals in the U.S. illegally, including targeting specific communities such as the Sikh population. ICE recently launched operations in New York and New Jersey, where multiple Gurdwaras (Sikh temples) were raided to identify undocumented Sikh individuals. This initiative follows Trump’s stance on cracking down on illegal immigration, especially by targeting religious and cultural communities that may be harder to reach by conventional means.
Changing Policies and Legal Framework
Under previous administrations, certain protections were in place that limited the ability of U.S. authorities to conduct raids in religious institutions or educational establishments. This policy was intended to respect the sanctity of these places and the rights of individuals seeking refuge in them. However, when Trump took office, his administration overturned this rule, allowing ICE to conduct operations in these areas if they suspected the presence of undocumented immigrants. This change has led to greater scrutiny and more aggressive actions against vulnerable populations, including religious communities like Sikhs, many of whom have faced challenges related to immigration status.
Trump’s administration has made it clear that it intends to enforce a zero-tolerance approach to illegal immigration. Military planes have become a symbol of this hardline strategy, as the U.S. government uses its military resources to expedite the deportation of individuals who are not legally authorized to remain in the country.
Political and Diplomatic Implications
The deportation of Indian nationals, along with others from around the world, has raised questions about the diplomatic and political ramifications of such policies. For one, India, as a key ally of the U.S., has shown willingness to cooperate with the Trump administration’s immigration goals. While India has expressed no opposition to repatriating its citizens, the issue still presents challenges for bilateral relations, especially as the Indian diaspora in the U.S. grows. The deportation of illegal immigrants has, at times, sparked protests and criticism from certain community groups, which argue that it disrupts families and communities and that the U.S. should adopt a more lenient and compassionate approach toward immigrants.
On the other hand, Trump has framed his stance on immigration as a necessary measure to protect American jobs, national security, and the integrity of U.S. immigration laws. For Trump’s base, his tough policies on illegal immigration resonate strongly, with many voters applauding his determination to prioritize U.S. citizens over those who enter the country unlawfully.
Trump’s aggressive approach to immigration, including the use of military planes to deport illegal immigrants, highlights his commitment to his “America First” agenda. The repatriation of Indian nationals and the targeting of specific communities are emblematic of the broader crackdown on illegal immigration under his administration. With the continuation of these policies, it remains to be seen how they will impact U.S.-India relations and the future of immigration reform in America. The emphasis on deportation, particularly through military means, signals that Trump’s administration is willing to push the boundaries of traditional immigration enforcement to achieve its goal of reducing illegal immigration to the U.S.
Source: Reuters
