On Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar remarked that “the standard operating procedure for deportation by aircraft allows for the use of restraints,” suggesting that Indian nationals deported from the United States via military aircraft might have been ‘handcuffed’ and ‘shackled’.
However, this assertion appears to contradict a governmental denial regarding such occurrences. “The assertion that Indian migrants were deported with their hands and legs bound with chains is FALSE,” read a statement from the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
What Did Jaishankar Say in Rajya Sabha?
Jaishankar’s comments in the Rajya Sabha came during opposition protests concerning the treatment of 104 Indians who were repatriated from the US on Wednesday.
Jaishankar also noted that the deportation process is “not a new procedure.”
“The standard operating procedure for deportation by aircraft calls for the application of restraints. However, we have been informed that women and children are not restrained,” he stated.
“Additionally, the needs of deportees during transit related to food and other requirements, including potential medical emergencies, are addressed. During bathroom breaks, deportees are temporarily unrestrained if necessary. This protocol is applicable to both chartered civilian aviation and military aircraft,” he added, contrasting sharply with accounts from the deportees.
“There has been no deviation from previous procedures for the flight conducted by the US on February 5, 2025,” he mentioned.
Harvinder Singh, an illegal immigrant who was deported and returned to India by the US on Wednesday, recounted to the Indian Express, “On February 2, they removed us from our rooms, handcuffed us, and also chained our feet.”
He continued, “They transported us to the airport, placed us on a flight, and informed us we were being returned to India. We made two stops before arriving in Amritsar. The entire journey lasted 40 hours. For 40 hours, we were handcuffed, our feet were chained, and we were not permitted to move from our seats.”
Harvinder Singh further disclosed, “Only after multiple requests were we allowed to use the restroom, and someone accompanied us there as well.”
US Shares Video Of ‘Chained’ Indian Deportees
The video depicted chained individuals as they boarded the military aircraft.
“USBP and its partners successfully returned illegal aliens to India, marking the furthest deportation flight to date using military transport. If you cross illegally, you will be removed,” the US Border Patrol posted on X on February 5.
What Did PIB Fact-Check?
In response to opposition uproar alleging the mistreatment of Indian immigrants during deportation, the Press Information Bureau of the Modi government released a fact check on Wednesday stating, “A false image is being circulated on social media by numerous accounts claiming that illegal Indian migrants have been handcuffed and their legs chained during deportation by the US.”
104 Illegal Indian Immigrants Deported
On Wednesday, illegal Indian deportees were sent to Amritsar aboard a C-17 Globemaster aircraft from the US Air Force. The group of 104 deportees consisted of 33 from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three from Maharashtra, three from Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh.
The deportations come in the wake of increasing immigration enforcement actions in the US, primarily targeting individuals who have entered the country unlawfully or overstayed their visas.
