Trump’s Plane Brings 205 Deported Indians Home, Sources Confirm All Verified
New Delhi, February 4, 2025: In a significant move, a US military aircraft carrying 205 deported Indian nationals has departed from Texas and is en route to India. The deportation marks the first such flight under a coordinated effort between the US and Indian governments to address the issue of illegal immigration.
The C-17 US military aircraft, which took off approximately six hours ago, is transporting the individuals back to India. Sources revealed that each deportee has been thoroughly verified, indicating New Delhi’s active involvement in the process. This deportation is believed to be the first of many planned flights aimed at repatriating Indian nationals living illegally in the United States.
The move aligns with US President Donald Trump’s stringent stance on illegal immigration. Earlier, the US had used military aircraft to deport illegal immigrants to countries like Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. Trump, in a statement last month, emphasized, “For the first time in history, we are locating and loading illegal aliens into military aircraft and flying them back to the places from which they came.”
The deportation comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s anticipated visit to the US next week, his first since Trump began his second term as president. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar has previously stated that India is open to the “legitimate return” of its nationals living illegally abroad, including in the US.
According to a Bloomberg News report, India and the US have identified approximately 18,000 Indian migrants who entered the US illegally. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has reiterated its stance against illegal immigration, citing its links to organized crime.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified India’s position, stating, “If Indian nationals are overstaying or residing in a country without proper documentation, we will facilitate their return, provided their nationality is verified. We are committed to ensuring their safe and orderly repatriation.”
A spokesperson for the US Embassy in New Delhi emphasized the US government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws, stating, “We are vigorously enforcing our borders, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants. These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk.”
The deportation process has drawn attention to the logistical challenges involved, including the limited facilities on the C-17 aircraft, which reportedly has only one toilet for all 205 passengers unless fitted with additional amenities.
As the first batch of deportees returns, the development underscores the growing collaboration between India and the US on immigration issues, even as it raises questions about the broader implications for bilateral relations and the treatment of undocumented migrants worldwide.