Jaishankar In RS: Over 18,800 Indians Deported by US Since 2009, 3,258 in 2025 Alone
External Affairs Minister highlights anti-human trafficking efforts and engagement with US on deportee treatment.
New Delhi, Dec 4: A total of 18,822 Indian nationals have been deported by the United States since 2009, including 3,258 individuals since January 2025, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, responding to questions in the Upper House, said state governments and the National Investigation Agency (NIA) are actively investigating human trafficking cases, with Punjab recording the highest number.
“Since January 2025, of the 3,258 deported Indians, 2,032 (62.3%) arrived on commercial flights, while 1,226 (37.6%) were brought back on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or Customs and Border Protection (CBP) chartered flights,” Jaishankar noted.
The NIA has registered 27 human trafficking cases, resulting in 169 arrests and chargesheets against 132 individuals. Significant arrests included traffickers in Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh. At the state level, Punjab has filed 25 FIRs against 58 illegal travel agents, arresting 16 accused, while Haryana has registered 44 FIRs with 27 arrests, and Gujarat has also apprehended a major trafficker.
Jaishankar emphasized that the Ministry of External Affairs maintains close coordination with the US to ensure humane treatment of deportees. “Concerns regarding the use of shackles, particularly on women and children, have been raised consistently with US authorities. No incidents of shackling women or minors have been reported since the February 5 deportation flight,” he said.
He added that the US follows the Restraining Policy under ICE’s Standard Operating Procedures to ensure flight safety, with women and minors generally not shackled. “Notably, deportation flights have included wanted criminals accused of terrorism, homicide, extortion, and other serious offenses,” Jaishankar said.
Highlighting a specific case, he mentioned Harjit Kaur, 73, deported on February 25, who faced maltreatment during detention but was not handcuffed during the flight. The MEA has formally raised concerns with the American Embassy regarding her treatment.
The minister confirmed that returning deportees are interviewed by Indian officials, and investigations continue against illegal immigration agents and human trafficking networks, reflecting ongoing efforts to combat transnational crime.
