'Handcuffed and shackled': Indian immigrant deported from US share ordeal

A US military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian nationals landed in Amritsar on Wednesday, marking the first mass deportation under President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. The deportees, hailing from Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chandigarh, had entered the US illegally through various routes, many paying hefty sums to agents promising them a better future.

Harsh Journey and Shackling During Deportation
One of the deportees, Jaspal Singh from Gurdaspur, revealed that their hands and legs were shackled throughout the journey, and they were only unshackled upon landing in Amritsar. Singh, who had paid Rs 30 lakh to an agent, said he was tricked into an illegal route despite seeking a legal visa.

USBP and partners successfully returned illegal aliens to India, marking the farthest deportation flight yet using military transport. This mission underscores our commitment to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring swift removals.

If you cross illegally, you will be removed. pic.twitter.com/WW4OWYzWOf

— Chief Michael W. Banks (@USBPChief) February 5, 2025

His journey took him through Brazil, Mexico, and multiple Latin American countries before he was arrested by US Border Patrol in January. He was held in custody for 11 days before being sent back to India. "We thought we were being taken to another camp, but an officer told us we were being deported to India," Singh said.

Life-Threatening Journey Through 'Donkey Routes'
Many deportees recounted the horrifying conditions they faced while trying to enter the US illegally.

• Harwinder Singh from Hoshiarpur spent Rs 42 lakh and traveled through Qatar, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua, and Mexico before reaching the US. He described crossing dense forests, hills, and rivers, where many people lost their lives.
• Another deportee spoke about a 15-hour-long boat ride and a 40-45 km trek through mountainous terrain, stating that if someone slipped, survival was impossible.
• Some deportees also mentioned witnessing deaths in the Panama jungle and seeing bodies abandoned along the route.

US Deportation Before Modi-Trump Talks
The deportation comes just days before Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Washington for talks with President Donald Trump, raising diplomatic concerns. Upon arrival in Amritsar, the deportees were interrogated by multiple agencies, including Punjab Police, state and central intelligence agencies, to check for any criminal records.

The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has urged the Punjab government to set up a rehabilitation fund for the deportees, citing concerns over financial distress, mental health issues, and social reintegration.

As deportations continue, families of those affected are grappling with shattered dreams and heavy financial losses, highlighting the risks involved in illegal immigration.