In a significant move to enforce immigration laws, the United States Customs and Border Protection (USBP) has deported 104 Indian nationals who entered the country illegally. The group, which included 19 women and 13 minors, was returned to India on a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster aircraft, marking the first large-scale deportation under a renewed crackdown on illegal immigration.
The deportees, hailing from various Indian states including Gujarat, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chandigarh, were flown back to India on Wednesday. Those from Punjab were escorted to their native places from Amritsar airport in police vehicles.
USBP Chief Michael W. Banks shared a video of the deportation on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing the US government’s commitment to enforcing immigration laws. “USBP and partners successfully returned illegal aliens to India, marking the farthest deportation flight yet using military transport,” Banks wrote. “This mission underscores our commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring swift removals. If you cross illegally, you will be removed.”
The video, which shows the deportees boarding the aircraft, serves as a stark warning to those attempting to cross borders illegally. This deportation comes just days ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the United States, highlighting the US government’s aggressive measures to address illegal immigration.
The USBP’s actions reflect a broader strategy to deter illegal border crossings and ensure compliance with immigration laws. As global migration patterns continue to evolve, such measures are seen as crucial to maintaining border security and upholding the rule of law.