Controversy Over Deportations: Union Minister of External Affairs S. Jaishankar informed Parliament on Thursday that the deportation of ‘undocumented’ Indians by US authorities was systematic.
The Minister emphasized that the Union government, led by Prime Minister, is in discussions with the President-led US administration to ensure that Indians are treated fairly.
“The deportations by the US are systematic and carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities,” Jaishankar stated during his address to the Rajya Sabha.
Jaishankar’s remarks in the Rajya Sabha occurred during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament, after opposition members protested and chanted slogans earlier in the day. The Minister acknowledged that ICE employs restraint during the deportation process.
ICE’s Restraint Measures: EAM
“The standard operating procedures for deportation by air, established by ICE since 2012, mandate the use of restraint. ICE has informed us that women and children are not subjected to restraints,” Jaishankar relayed.
The minister is scheduled to speak in the at 3 PM. He stated that all nations have a responsibility to repatriate their citizens if they are found living illegally abroad. “We are in talks with the US government to ensure that returning deportees are treated with dignity,” he added.
“It is in our mutual interest to promote legal migration and prevent illegal movement. Mobility and migration are particularly vital in enhancing our bilateral relationship,” Jaishankar asserted.
It is in our mutual interest to promote legal migration and prevent illegal movement.
Opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha resorted to chanting slogans and protested in the well of the House, even as Speaker Om Birla urged them to refrain from “planned disruptions”.
“This issue falls under the realm of the government. It pertains to the Ministry of External Affairs and involves another nation. The government is aware of the situation,” Birla explained.
A C-17 Aircraft Carrying Indians?
A C-17 aircraft, reportedly transporting Indian migrants, was observed departing from the United States. This flight represented the first deportation of Indian nationals since US President Donald Trump assumed office on January 20.
The US military aircraft, which carried 104 undocumented immigrants from various states, landed in Amritsar. A viral post on social media alleged that Indians were “handcuffed” and “humiliated” during the flight, prompting the Indian government to clarify the situation.
However, the authorities labeled the video as false. “A misleading image is being circulated on social media by several accounts, claiming that undocumented Indian migrants were handcuffed and shackled during their deportation by the US. The image being shared is not related to Indians but rather depicts individuals deported to Guatemala,” it stated.
On January 24, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced its commitment to facilitating the repatriation of Indian nationals who are “overstaying” or residing without proper documentation in the United States or “anywhere else in the world.”
