IN PHOTOS: Third batch of illegal Indian immigrants deported from the US arrives in Amritsar
The third batch of illegal Indian immigrants deported from the US arrived at Amritsar airport on February 16. The deportees are being sent to their respective states after landing in Amritsar, with arrangements made for their transportation. (PICS/PTI)
Updated on : 17 February,2025 03:36 PM IST | Compiled by : Anisha Shrivastava
A bus carrying 44 deportees from Haryana arrived in Ambala on Monday morning, marking the return of the third batch. A deportee’s relative, Rajesh, spoke about Sandeep, who had paid Rs 65 lakh to an agent to illegally enter the US and was later informed about his deportation via a Facebook channel.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ensured that the deportees would be treated well and that proper arrangements were made for their stay in Amritsar before returning to their home states. The Ministry of External Affairs has booked flights for the deportees to return to their respective states after their brief stay in Amritsar.
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney confirmed that 112 deportees were aboard the third flight and that arrangements had been made to meet their immediate needs. Deportees were provided with food, diapers, and other essentials during their stay in Amritsar, while immigration processes were being carried out.
This batch arrived just a day after the second batch of deported immigrants landed in Amritsar, adding to the growing number of repatriations. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor expressed dissatisfaction with the use of a military aircraft for deportations and raised concerns about possible mistreatment, including the possibility of handcuffing and shackling.
The Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasised its willingness to repatriate its citizens residing illegally in the US and called for an end to the human trafficking ecosystem. The deportations followed the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, with PM Modi asserting that both India and the US must cooperate to dismantle human trafficking networks.
