India's Parliament was thrown Into chaos on February 6, 2025, as opposition lawmakers protested the alleged mistreatment of 104 Indian migrants deported from the United States aboard military aircraft. This deportation flight marks the first of its kind since the Trump administration ramped up enforcement of immigration laws.
On February 5, the U.S. military plane touched down at Amritsar, India, returning migrants who had reportedly endured shackling and degrading conditions during their long flight. Opposition leaders condemned the manner of their deportation, with Congress MP Renuka Chowdhury describing it as “degrading” and highlighting claims from deportees about being “handcuffed, had their legs chained and even struggled to use the washroom.”
With Parliament disrupted by chants and demands for accountability, the scene reflected widespread outrage over the uses of military aircraft for deportations—an uncommon practice until recently. Shashi Tharoor, another opposition lawmaker, echoed similar sentiments, stating, “The way the U.S. did what they did was really unacceptable.” He criticized the government for allowing such “inhuman” treatment of Indian citizens.
According to reports from deportees like Jaspal Singh, who spoke to BBC Punjabi, the shackling lasted throughout the 40-hour flight. Singh recalled, “We were tortured... our hands and feet were tied after we were put on the plane. The plane stopped at several places.” His comments reveal the psychological toll the deportation took on migrants, many seeking refuge or opportunity.
Opposition protests outside Parliament saw some lawmakers wearing handcuffs to symbolize their plight, with banners proclaiming: “Humans, not prisoners.” Rahul Gandhi passionately shared on social media, “Indians deserve Dignity and Humanity, NOT Handcuffs,” amplifying the outcry against the U.S. handling of deportations.
The Indian government, represented by Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, attempted to calm the situation by asserting it was engaging with U.S. officials to address the treatment of deportees. Jaishankar stated, “We have been informed by ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement]... women and children are not restrained.” He emphasized the need to work together to prevent mistreatment but acknowledged the long-standing U.S. policy allowing restraints on deportees during flights.
This latest deportation has taken on fresh significance as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for his upcoming trip to Washington, where discussions around immigration policy are anticipated. Modi has maintained close ties with President Trump, yet the backlash at home complicates this relationship. With India accepting more deportees under the current administration, the prospect of how these operations are conducted is being closely examined.
The outrage over the treatment of deportees extends beyond the parliamentary ballrooms. On social media, citizens are expressing concern about the safety and dignity of their fellow Indians. Congress MP Manickam Tagore denounced the deportation practices as “shocking and shameful,” insisting on respect for the nation's citizens regardless of legal status.
The U.S. government has defended its deportation policies, asserting the necessity of enforcing immigration laws for national security. A spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy reaffirmed this stance, arguing, “It is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens.”
The return of the deported migrants is also tied to the narratives around illegal immigration pathways from India, particularly the dangerous journeys many undertake, often via the so-called “donkey route,” which exploits disadvantaged individuals seeking economic opportunity abroad. Such involvements with traffickers frequently lead to perilous conditions, adding complexity to the immigration discussion.
The “donkey route” refers to the brutal journeys across various borders, facilitated by deceitful agents charging exorbitant fees. Accounts from those who participated reveal frightful tales of crossing treacherous terrain with scarce food and water—an experience underscored by Harwinder Singh's story of nearly drowning and losing fellow travelers during the trek across jungles and mountains.
While deportations of Indian nationals from the U.S. are not new, the methods and the casualties they entail have raised red flags among civil rights activists and government officials alike. Observers are calling for reform within the deportation process and urging the Indian government to adopt measures to protect its citizens abroad vigorously and upon return.
The deportation flight, underscored by inflammatory allegations and emotional accounts, has reignited debates about responsible immigration management and the treatment of those who sought refuge only to find themselves faced with chains rather than freedom.
India’s government is now caught between its commitment to curb illegal immigration and the imperative to uphold the dignity of its citizens. The outcome of this outcry and its impact on upcoming discussions between Modi and Trump will likely hold long-term ramifications on U.S.-India relations.