New Delhi, December 5, 2025 — In a stark revelation that underscores the escalating challenges of illegal migration and human trafficking, the Indian government disclosed that the United States has deported 18,822 Indian nationals since 2009, with a record 3,258 removals occurring in the first 11 months of 2025 alone. The figures, presented in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, highlight a sharp uptick in enforcement actions amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the humane treatment of deportees.
The disclosure came in response to queries on the deportation of Indians from the US, shedding light on a trend that has intensified in recent years. According to Jaishankar, the total stands at 18,822 deportees since 2009, reflecting a cumulative crackdown on visa overstays, unauthorized entries, and involvement in criminal activities. Breaking down the annual figures, 617 Indians were deported in 2023, followed by 1,368 in 2024—a nearly 122% increase year-over-year. This year's tally of 3,258 already surpasses the combined deportations of the previous two years, marking the highest annual figure in over a decade and signaling heightened US immigration scrutiny on Indian migrants.
Of the 2025 deportations, approximately 62.3%—or 2,032 individuals—were transported on regular commercial flights, while the remaining 37.6% (1,226 people) arrived via chartered flights operated by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP). These charter operations, often involving high-security protocols, have been a focal point of bilateral discussions due to reports of mistreatment during transit.
## Roots in Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration Rackets
The deportations are not merely administrative but are deeply intertwined with transnational human trafficking networks and illegal immigration syndicates. Jaishankar emphasized that many deportees' testimonies upon return have triggered investigations into these rackets. "Based on the accounts and testimonies given by returning deportees, the Central and respective State Governments along with the relevant law enforcement agencies have registered a number of cases, and investigations as well as actions are ongoing against several illegal immigration agents, criminal facilitators and human trafficking syndicates that run these rackets," the minister stated in his parliamentary response.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA), India's premier counter-terrorism and organized crime body, has spearheaded federal-level probes. It has registered 27 human trafficking cases since the issue gained prominence, leading to 169 arrests and chargesheets against 132 individuals. Notable operations include the arrest of two key traffickers in Haryana and Punjab on August 7, 2025, and two more in Himachal Pradesh on October 2. Among the deportees are high-profile criminals, such as absconding suspects Lakhwinder Singh and Anmol Bishnoi, wanted for terrorism, homicide, extortion, and attempted murder, who were returned under Interpol lookout notices and arrest warrants.
State governments, particularly those bordering international migration hotspots, have ramped up local enforcement. Punjab, which records the highest number of trafficking cases, has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and a fact-finding committee. As per data shared with the Centre, Punjab police have filed 25 First Information Reports (FIRs) against 58 illegal travel agents, resulting in 16 arrests. In Haryana, authorities have registered 2,325 cases overall, with 44 specific FIRs related to trafficking and 27 arrests made, including a major syndicate bust by the NIA. Gujarat has apprehended one significant trafficker, while Himachal Pradesh contributed to the October arrests. These state-wise efforts underscore a decentralized yet coordinated crackdown, with the Centre facilitating intelligence sharing and cross-border coordination.
Punjab | SIT and fact-finding committee formed; probes into illegal agents | 25 FIRs against 58 agents; 16 arrests |
Haryana Investigations into 2,325 cases; NIA collaboration | 44 FIRs; 27 arrests |
Gujarat Apprehension of major trafficker | 1 significant arrest |
Himachal Pradesh NIA-led operations | 2 arrests (October 2, 2025) |
Table: State-wise anti-trafficking measures based on Rajya Sabha disclosures (as of December 4, 2025).
## Diplomatic Push for Humane Treatment Amid Concerns
While the focus remains on dismantling trafficking networks, the Indian government has voiced strong concerns over the treatment of deportees during US removal operations. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) conducts interviews with returnees upon arrival at Indian airports to document experiences and complaints, forwarding serious allegations to Washington for review.
A particularly poignant case highlighted in Jaishankar's reply involves 73-year-old Harjit Kaur, deported on February 25, 2025. Although not shackled during the flight, Kaur alleged maltreatment during pre-deportation detention. "While Harjit Kaur was not handcuffed, she was maltreated in detention before she was put on the flight. On September 26, we have officially taken up her maltreatment with the American Embassy. We have made clear our very strong concern about the manner of her treatment and have asked the American authorities to look into this matter," Jaishankar noted.
Shackling—restraining deportees with handcuffs and leg irons—has been a recurring flashpoint. India has consistently raised objections, especially regarding women and children. The US defends the practice under its ICE Standard Operating Procedures (effective since November 19, 2012) as a security measure to prevent onboard violence, though women and minors are "generally" exempt, with the flight officer holding final discretion. Encouragingly, Jaishankar reported no instances of shackling women or children since the February 5, 2025, flight. "The Ministry of External Affairs remains engaged with the US Side to ensure the humane treatment of deportees during US ICE/CBP deportation operations. The Ministry has strongly registered its concerns with the US Authorities on the treatment of deportees, particularly with respect to the use of shackles, especially on women and children," he added.
Bilateral engagement has yielded some progress, including the clearance of 388 individuals for deportation after Indian verification processes earlier this year. However, experts warn that the rising numbers could strain India-US ties on migration issues, even as both nations collaborate on broader economic and strategic fronts.
## A Growing Crisis: Implications for Indian Diaspora
The deportation surge comes against a backdrop of increasing Indian migration to the US, driven by aspirations for education, employment, and the "American Dream." Over 4.5 million Indian-Americans form one of the largest and most successful diaspora communities, yet the shadow of illegal pathways—often peddled by unscrupulous agents promising forged documents or risky border crossings—looms large. Earlier data from February 2025 pegged cumulative deportations at 15,756, illustrating the rapid escalation in just 10 months.
Advocacy groups like the South Asian American Policy Institute have called for enhanced pre-departure counseling in India and stricter penalties for traffickers. "These numbers are a wake-up call. Families are being torn apart not just by borders, but by exploitation," said a spokesperson for the group, echoing sentiments from affected communities in Punjab and Gujarat.
As investigations continue and diplomatic channels remain open, the government's multi-pronged approach—combining enforcement, awareness, and advocacy—aims to curb the tide. Yet, with 2025's record already set, stakeholders on both sides of the Atlantic brace for what could be an even more challenging year ahead in managing human mobility.
This report is compiled from official parliamentary responses and verified news sources. For updates, refer to the Ministry of External Affairs.
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