US Starts Deporting Indian Migrants Amid Trump’s Border Crackdown
The United States has begun deporting Indian migrants as part of former President Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies. A military aircraft, a C-17, carrying 205 Indian nationals, departed from San Antonio, Texas, at around 3 am IST. This marks a significant step in Trump’s efforts to crack down on undocumented migrants in the US, a move that has been a key part of his administration’s agenda. Reports indicate that all the Indian nationals on board were verified by the Indian government before their deportation.
This development is part of a larger effort by the US government to deport undocumented migrants using military aircraft. The Pentagon has stated that over 5,000 migrants are set to be deported from Texas and California, with India being the farthest destination for these flights. So far, military planes have transported migrants to countries like Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. However, the process has not been without challenges. Last week, two US military aircraft carrying deported migrants were denied landing in Colombia, forcing the US to halt those flights temporarily.
Trump had previously announced his intention to remove "millions and millions" of undocumented migrants from the US. His administration had declared a national emergency at the southern border, leading to the approval of a bill that mandated the detention and deportation of migrants who entered the country illegally. Trump has frequently emphasized the use of military resources for immigration control, including deploying troops to the US-Mexico border, utilizing military bases for migrant detention, and now, employing military aircraft for deportations.
The former US president had also discussed the issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that he expected India to "do what’s right" in taking back Indian nationals living illegally in the US. Reports suggest that nearly 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants have been identified in the US. While many Indians legally migrate to the US under the H-1B visa program for skilled workers, a significant number also enter the country without authorization.
Trump’s approach to deportations has drawn both support and criticism. Supporters argue that the measures are necessary to enforce immigration laws, while critics point out the high costs and ethical concerns surrounding military deportations. According to Reuters, a military deportation flight to Guatemala cost at least $4,675 per migrant—more than five times the cost of a first-class commercial ticket from Texas. This raises questions about the efficiency and necessity of using military planes instead of regular charter flights.
Alongside his immigration crackdown, Trump has also implemented new trade tariffs targeting major US trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China. Initially, the tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports were set to take effect immediately, but both countries negotiated temporary reprieves. Canada agreed to invest $1.3 billion in border security measures, while Mexico committed to deploying 10,000 troops to curb illegal migration. However, new tariffs on Chinese imports are set to go forward, with a 10% increase expected.
The ongoing deportations and economic measures highlight Trump’s broader strategy of using strict policies to address immigration and trade concerns. With thousands of migrants still awaiting deportation and global markets reacting to the tariff hikes, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the long-term impact of these actions. Trump’s hardline stance on immigration and trade continues to shape US policies, with significant consequences for both domestic and international affairs.