While authorities have not disclosed the exact number of individuals on board, reports indicate that this move is part of one of the largest deportation operations in U.S. history, targeting undocumented individuals from various countries.
A military transport aircraft, reportedly a C-17, has been used for the deportation. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has stepped up efforts to identify and expel those residing illegally in the country.
During Trump’s presidency, U.S. authorities had previously arrested and deported 538 individuals to their respective countries. Additionally, nearly 5,000 undocumented migrants from areas like El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California, are set for deportation in the coming months. The estimated cost per deportation is approximately $4,675 per person, according to U.S. government sources.
Impact on Indian Migrants
Currently, an estimated 725,000 Indian nationals are residing in the U.S. without proper documentation. Among them, authorities have prepared a list of approximately 18,000 individuals who are set to be deported to India in phases.
The Indian government has responded by reaffirming its stance against illegal migration and has stated that any Indian citizen living abroad without valid documents or overstaying their visas will be repatriated.
After Mexico and El Salvador, Indians reportedly make up the third-largest group of undocumented migrants in the U.S. As deportation flights increase, India is expected to receive thousands of deported individuals in the coming months.
