US C-17 lands in Amritsar with illegal indian migrants as Trump tightens immigration
A US C-17 military aircraft carrying 205 deported Indian migrants landed in Amritsar on Wednesday. This marks the first deportation under President Donald Trump’s second-term immigration crackdown. The aircraft took off from San Antonio, Texas, and reached Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport.
The deported individuals, mostly from Punjab and neighboring states, faced removal as the US tightened immigration laws. The Trump administration has ramped up border enforcement and sent a strong warning against illegal migration. A US embassy spokesperson stated that authorities are strictly enforcing immigration policies to deter unlawful entry.
India and the US continue discussions ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s planned visit to Washington on February 12-13. The two countries are negotiating immigration matters, among other key issues.
India has reaffirmed its stance against illegal immigration. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal recently emphasized New Delhi’s commitment to taking back Indians who have overstayed or lack documentation. He clarified that deportation would proceed only after verifying their nationality.
Trump, after a call with Modi on January 27, expressed confidence that India would cooperate on deportations. Reports suggest that US authorities have identified around 18,000 illegal Indian immigrants for removal.
