U.S. Deports 2,790 Indians in 2025 Amid Trump’s Immigration Crackdown
US expels thousands of illegal Indian immigrants in crackdown.
United States deported 2,790 Indian nationals living illegally in the country between January and October 2025, according to data tabled by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Parliament on Wednesday. The figures, revealed by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, mark a sharp escalation in removals under the Trump administration's renewed immigration crackdown, surpassing the 1,947 deportations recorded throughout 2024.
The deportees, primarily from states like Punjab, Gujarat, and Haryana, were flown back on chartered flights coordinated with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Most had overstayed visas or entered via the treacherous Mexico border route, often paying smugglers upwards of ₹80 lakh for the perilous journey. "These individuals violated U.S. immigration laws," Rai stated, adding that India cooperated fully under bilateral agreements to verify identities and issue travel documents.
The surge coincides with President Donald Trump's October 15 executive order mandating the expulsion of over 1 million undocumented migrants by year-end, with India among the top 10 source countries alongside Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. ICE data shows 11 special repatriation flights to India this year, each carrying 200-250 passengers under heavy security. Punjab alone accounts for 1,413 of the deportees, many young men lured by false promises of the "American dream."
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Families in India report mixed emotions—relief at safe returns but despair over shattered aspirations and massive debts. "My son borrowed ₹50 lakh; now he's back with nothing," said a tearful mother in Amritsar. Advocacy groups warn of a looming humanitarian crisis as more face removal, with over 7 lakh Indians estimated to be undocumented in the U.S.
With Trump's "Operation Aurora" in full swing, Indian authorities have ramped up awareness campaigns in high-emigration districts, while diplomatic channels remain open to negotiate safer migration pathways. The deportations serve as a stark warning: the golden door to America has slammed shut for illegal entrants.
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