104 Indian Deportees Chained During 40-Hour US Military Flight to India

In the operation to deport illegal migrants, the United States Border Patrol used a C-17 military aircraft to transport 104 Indian nationals back to India, keeping them in chains and handcuffs throughout the 40-hour journey.  First time US has used a military aircraft for deportation purpose as the flight landed on Amritsar Air Force base on February 5,2024.

Treatment During Flight 

During the journey to India, the deportees including women and children faced severe restrictions. The deportees were remained seated in one place with both hand and feet chained. The bathroom access were strictly controlled as the crew members pushed the passengers into the restrooms. The hand were tied throughtout the journey even while eating and going to restroom and deportees also alleged that minimum food was provided during the flight.

Demographics and Distribution 

The group consisted of 30 individuals from Punjab, and 33 each from Haryana and Gujarat. Among the deportees, 48 were under 25 years old, including 13 minors, with the youngest being just 4 years old. The operation involved 45 US officers and 11 crew members. Upon arrival in Amritsar, Punjab residents were transported home by police vehicles, while others were sent to their respective states via domestic flights. 

Future Implications

The future impact of this deportation is heavy on the illegal migrants as now they can never travel to United States and 19 other countries like Canada, New Zealand, Australia and United Kingdom. The biometric data of these individuals is recorded which will ensure that they can never obtain visas to these 20 countries even with complete documentation and valid reasons to travel. The operation, costing approximately 6 crore rupees, represents part of a larger initiative targeting illegal immigrants, with reports suggesting up to 205 more Indians may face deportation.