New Delhi: A US military aircraft has reportedly begun deporting a group of illegal immigrants back to India, marking President Donald Trump’s first action addressing the issue of Indian nationals residing unlawfully in the United States.
As many as 200 Indians are believed to be on board, though the destination remains unspecified. The C-17 aircraft carrying the migrants has already departed.
Although US officials have not formally confirmed the details, US Embassy spokesperson Christopher Elms reiterated that the US is “vigorously enforcing its border security, tightening immigration laws, and deporting illegal migrants.”
He emphasised, “This sends a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk.”
The White House also confirmed a recent “productive” conversation between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Trump assured that India “will do what’s right” regarding the repatriation of illegal immigrants.
Experts view this as an early diplomatic concession from India, signalling a willingness to cooperate with US immigration policies to avoid potential trade tensions.
In a related development, the White House announced that Prime Minister Modi is expected to visit Washington on February 13 for a meeting with Trump.
While the US has deported Indian nationals before, this marks the first such deportation since Trump resumed office in January 2025.
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Both Trump and his newly appointed Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, have raised concerns about the growing number of Indian nationals illegally residing in the US during their discussions with Modi and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Since taking office, President Trump has signed a series of executive orders aimed at curbing undocumented migration.
The Pentagon has reportedly begun providing flights to deport over 5,000 immigrants currently detained in US facilities in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California.
