New Delhi witnessed a dramatic disruption in its Parliament proceedings on Thursday, as opposition lawmakers vociferously protested the reported mistreatment of 104 Indian immigrants recently deported by the United States. The deportees arrived in India on a U.S. military aircraft amidst heightened tensions regarding immigration protocols initiated under former President Donald Trump's administration.
The uproar in Parliament stemmed from allegations that the deportees were handcuffed and shackled during their flight back to India. With chants echoing throughout the session, the proceedings had to be adjourned, drawing attention to the ongoing diplomatic friction between the two nations.
Details of the Deportation
According to media reports and politicians like Renuka Chowdhury of the Congress party, deportees described harrowing conditions where their mobility was severely restricted, even when using the restroom. Lawmaker Gaurav Gogoi emphasized the degrading nature of their transportation methods, challenging the ethical standards of such deportations.
Parliament Speaker Om Birla attempted to mediate by framing this as a matter of U.S. foreign policy, suggesting that the United States operates under its own set of rules regarding immigration enforcement.
One deportee, Jaspal Singh, shared his ordeal, revealing that they were kept in the dark until mid-flight about their deportation to India. The handcuffs and shackles were removed only upon landing at Amritsar airport, India.
Protests and Political Reactions
Outside Parliament, the opposition, led by Congress figurehead Rahul Gandhi, staged protests echoing the call for humane treatment of deportees. Emphasizing the need for dignity over detention, demonstrators held placards proclaiming messages such as “Humans, not prisoners.” Gandhi further shared visuals on social media, illustrating the distress experienced by deportees like Harvinder Singh, who recounted being bound for over 40 hours in what he described as an unbearable ordeal.
In Parliament, India's External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar clarified that U.S. regulations have permitted the use of restraints on both military and civilian flights since 2012. He reiterated that women and children were not subject to these restraints and that the procedures had not changed.
Strategic Conversations
The incident coincides with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's scheduled visit to Washington. Immigration remains a key topic of discussion, with President Trump emphasizing the significance of India increasing its purchase of American-made security products and ensuring balanced trade relations during a recent phone dialogue with Modi.
A spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi stressed that enforcing immigration laws remains vital for national security and public safety, underscoring the country's stance against illegal immigration.
The Broader Context of Illegal Immigration
In recent years, the number of Indians attempting to enter the U.S. via the Canadian border has surged. The past year saw over 14,000 Indian nationals apprehended, making up a significant portion of illegal crossings. Many undocumented Indians in the U.S. hail from Punjab and Gujarat, representing about 3% of the total illegal immigration population in 2024.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has hailed deportation flights as effective deterrents against illegal immigration, emphasizing their role in maintaining order. The State Department supports this approach, advocating it as a measure to discourage future unauthorized migration attempts.
Data from the Pew Research Center highlights that India is among the leading countries with significant numbers of undocumented immigrants in the U.S., with figures soaring to around 725,000.
This evolving scenario poses complex challenges, with economic, political, and humanitarian dimensions requiring careful navigation from both countries.
