US deports 104 Indians amid political row over ‘inhumane’ treatment

104 Indians deported from US, sparks Lok Sabha protest; govt says will crack down on illegal migration, ease visa process.

The deportation of 104 Indians from the US has ignited a fierce debate in India with the Opposition targeting the government on alleged inhumane treatment of the deportees. The Centre, on the other hand, has promised to crack down on illegal migration networks and ease visas for genuine travellers.

A US Air Force C-17 Globemaster landed in Amritsar on Wednesday carrying the deported persons from Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chandigarh. Among them were 19 women and 13 children. Reportedly, the deportees were handcuffed and put in leg chains for most part of the 40 hours journey and had limited toilet access.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the crackdown saying mass migration leads to victimisation and only benefits the traffickers. “Many of the people who seek mass migration are often victimised along the way. Only the traffickers benefit,” Rubio posted on X.

The deportation is in line with former President Donald Trump’s tough stand on illegal immigration. He had campaigned on this issue and has continued the same since taking office.

The Opposition in India has taken up the issue of harsh treatment of the deportees and staged protests in the Parliament. They have accused the government of not protecting the Indian citizens abroad. The Centre has promised to act against illegal immigration and will prioritize measures for easier legal travel.