The United States recently deported Indian nationals who went to the country illegally. The immigrants were sent back to India using a chartered flight coordinated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in collaboration with the Indian government. This deportation operation, conducted on October 22, highlights an ongoing effort to bring in effect the immigration regulations. Kristie A. Canegallo, a senior DHS official performing the duties of Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security said a statement that “Indian nationals without a legal basis to remain in the United States are subject to swift removal.”. Meanwhile, he also cautioned migrants against trusting misinformation from smugglers who might claim otherwise.
According to the DHS, the move highlights a broader purpose which is to uphold US immigration laws. The United States wants to discourage illegal entries into the country. After the introduction of the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and Interim Final Rule in June 2024, encounters at the US southwest border have reduced by 55 percent. The rule was introduced to address illegal migration comprehensively, encouraging those who want to migrate to use authorized pathways while promoting security along US borders.
This year itself, the DHS ordered over 495 flights to send back more than 160,000 individuals to their home countries, including India. These operations span 145 nations, underscoring the scale and complexity of repatriation efforts. By partnering with several governments of different countries, the DHS plans to make sure that the individuals get to go back to their country if they lack legal grounds to remain in the United States.
The DHS’s approach also includes holding transnational criminal networks who are responsible for smuggling and exploitation, which often targets vulnerable migrants. The DHS has facilitated return of not just Indian Immigrants but individuals from countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Egypt, Mauritania, Senegal, Uzbekistan, and China. DHS officials emphasized that cooperative international partnerships are necessary for addressing global migration issues, reducing illegal migration, as well as promoting lawful pathways for immigration.