The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken a firm stance on illegal immigration, deporting over 1,100 Indian nationals in the 2023-24 fiscal year. This figure underscores the ongoing efforts to maintain immigration control and ensure compliance with US laws.
The deportations were conducted through a combination of charter and commercial flights, with the DHS confirming that the individuals were staying illegally in the US. Royce Murray, Assistant Secretary for Border and Immigration Policy at the DHS, stated that “In the fiscal year 2024 that ended on September 30, 2024, the US repatriated 1,100 Indian nationals.”
One notable event was the October 22 charter flight that repatriated a significant number of Indian nationals. Addressing concerns about the flight’s occupants, Murray assured that “no minor” was deported on that flight, specifying that the deportees were all adult men and women.
Earlier reports from Hindustan Times indicated that the chartered flight returned approximately 100 Indian nationals to their home country on October 22. This operation further emphasizes the close coordination between Washington and New Delhi on immigration matters.
The US DHS issued a statement on October 25 clarifying the nature of the October 22 repatriation: “On October 22, the US Department of Homeland Security, through the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), conducted a large-scale charter removal flight to the Republic of India of Indian nationals who did not establish legal basis to remain in the United States.”
Murray highlighted the smooth execution of the October 22 charter flight, emphasizing its “well-coordinated” nature. She acknowledged the crucial support provided by the Indian government in ensuring efficient repatriation. The flight was “de-planed in Punjab,” though the origin of the flight and the deportees’ place of origin were not disclosed.
This recent deportation activity follows a trend of repatriations announced by the US homeland authorities. During the 2024 fiscal year, the DHS removed or returned over 160,000 individuals, operating more than 495 international repatriation flights to over 145 countries, including India. These actions demonstrate the US commitment to maintaining strict immigration policies and enforcing legal boundaries.
