A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s meeting with US President Donald Trump, a second group of 119 Indian nationals is scheduled to arrive in Amritsar following deportation from the United States. More than half of the returnees are from Punjab. Another deportation flight is expected on February 16.
The mode of transportation remains unclear, with no confirmation on whether a US aircraft will bring the deportees or if the Indian government has arranged a special flight.
Officials say the second batch includes 67 individuals from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Maharashtra and Rajasthan, and one each from Goa, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
This follows the February 5 deportation of 104 Indians, who landed in Amritsar aboard a US Air Force C-17 aircraft. Most of them hailed from Haryana, Gujarat, and Punjab. This operation was notable as it was the first instance of the US utilizing military aircraft for deportations to India. The deportees underwent thorough screenings upon arrival before being handed over to local authorities for transportation to their respective hometowns.
The first batch faced significant controversy after reports emerged that they were shackled during transit. The Indian government was criticized for the alleged &ldquo;dehumanization&rdquo; of its citizens, leading to heated debates in Parliament.
Many of these deportees had attempted to enter the US through the illegal &ldquo;dunkey&rdquo;&nbsp;route, often enduring months-long journeys and paying large sums to agents. Following their return, the Punjab and Haryana governments have intensified action against human traffickers, arresting several individuals involved in illegal immigration networks.
In response, External Affairs Minister S&nbsp;Jaishankar assured that the issue would be raised with the US government. Sources indicate that unlike the first group, the deportees on the upcoming flight are unlikely to be restrained.
The deportations coincide with Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsquo;s recent discussions with former US President Donald Trump, during which illegal immigration was a key topic. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that both nations have committed to improving legal pathways for students and professionals while cracking down on illegal immigration and human trafficking. &ldquo;There is a commitment to take decisive action against elements that threaten public and diplomatic security, as well as the sovereignty of both nations,&rdquo;&nbsp;Misri said.
The Indian government continues to monitor the situation, with further diplomatic engagements expected in the coming weeks.

Indian deportees, US deportation flight, Amritsar arrival, illegal immigration, Punjab migrants, Modi-Trump meeting, dunkey route, human trafficking crackdown, Indian government response, February 16 flight,

119 include 67 from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, 8 from Gujarat, 3 from UP, 3rd flight to arrive Sunday

2nd Batch of 119 Indian Deportees to Land Tonight

119 include 67 from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, 8 from Gujarat, 3 from UP, 3rd flight to arrive Sunday

February 15, 2025 | 10:51 IST