The United States sent a group of 104 Indian immigrants to Amritsar, India who tried to enter the US illegally.

A spokesperson at the US Embassy in New Delhi reportedly said enforcing immigration laws was critical for the country’s national security and public safety.

It is the policy of the United States to 'faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens' said US Embassy spokesperson Christopher Elms on Thursday.

The C-17 Globemaster military aircraft landed on Indian soil on Wednesday with deportees from Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab.

Indians were shackled in chains and with handcuffs during their journey to India.

“If you cross illegally, you will be removed,” threatened the US sharing the visuals of Indians being deported to India.

USBP and partners successfully returned illegal aliens to India, marking the farthest deportation flight yet using military transport. This mission underscores our commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring swift removals.

If you cross illegally, you will be removed. pic.twitter.com/WW4OWYzWOf

— Chief Michael W. Banks (@USBPChief) February 5, 2025

During the Rajya Sabha session on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stated that the Centre is in discussions with the US government to ensure deportees are treated fairly. 

Opposition members of the parliament in Rajya Sabha protested over the inhumane treatment of the deported Indians.

According to data presented by MEA Jashankar during the session, between 2009 and 2025, deportations have fluctuated significantly. 

The lowest deportation count was recorded in 2025 (104), while the highest was in 2019 (2,042). From 2009 to 2015, deportations remained relatively stable, ranging from 515 to 799, with a minor peak in 2015 (708). 

A sharp rise occurred in 2016 (1,303), followed by fluctuating yet elevated numbers until 2019.