Introduction
Daler Singh, a 37-year-old man from India, spent six months and $45,000 to travel to the United States without proper papers. Just three weeks after arriving, he was sent back to India on a military plane. His hands and legs were cuffed during the entire journey. Singh was one of 104 Indians deported by US authorities in a highly publicized event. This move fulfilled a key election promise by President Donald Trump but caused embarrassment for India, a close US partner. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Washington next week.
Singh’s Story
Singh’s journey began in early August when he flew to Dubai. He stayed there for several months before being made to trek through Mexico to reach the US. He was detained by US authorities on January 15 and later flown back to India on a C-17 Globemaster aircraft. Singh said he had to mortgage family jewelry and land to raise the money to pay an agent. He warned others not to take illegal routes and to use proper visa channels instead.
US Authorities’ Actions
US Border Patrol (USBP) chief Michael W. Banks posted a video on social media showing some men being led into a military plane in handcuffs and chains. He said that the deportation marked the farthest flight yet using military transport. Banks emphasized that the mission showed the US commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring swift removals. He warned that anyone crossing illegally would be removed.
Impact on India
The return of the 104 Indians, including people aged from 4 to 46, has given India’s opposition parties a chance to criticize Modi’s government. Modi has spoken about strengthening ties with the US. The deportees were from five Indian states and the federal territory of Chandigarh.
Conditions of Deportation
Singh described how their hands and legs were cuffed throughout the journey. He said the cuffs were not removed even during meals. India’s foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, told parliament that it was standard practice for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to restrain deportees. However, he noted that women and children on the plane were not cuffed. Jaishankar said India was working with the US to ensure deportees were not mistreated during flights.
India’s Response
Jaishankar emphasized that India’s focus should be on cracking down on the illegal migration industry while making it easier for legitimate travelers to get visas. He said Indian law enforcement would act against agents organizing such illegal trips based on information from the returnees. Over the past 16 years, more than 15,000 Indians have been deported from the US.
Personal Stories
One of the deportees was Akashdeep Singh, a 23-year-old who failed to find a job in India. His family sold two tractors and some land and took loans to raise over 6 million rupees for his illegal trip. His father, Swaran Singh, said there were no jobs in India, and they had to send their children abroad. He demanded better job opportunities for their children so they would not have to leave the country.
Conclusion
The deportation of 104 Indians from the US highlights the challenges faced by people seeking better opportunities abroad. It also underscores the need for both countries to address illegal migration and improve visa processes. The incident has political implications for both the US and India, with opposition parties in India using it to criticize the government’s handling of migration and job creation.