US-Military-Deports

Illegal Migrants Sent to India on US Military Plane as Trump Tightens Immigration Rules

 

A US military aircraft carrying Indian migrants departed under the strict immigration policy of President Donald Trump. The flight represents a major change in deportation flights as it marks the farthest destination achieved using this strategy. The US military has already deployed similar flights for deporting migrants to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras; however, this is the first known military airlift of Indian nationals.

 

Escalating Military Involvement in Immigration Enforcement

 

The Trump administration has been increasingly using the US military to deal with illegal immigration, where military resources are used to ferry detainees. A C-17 military aircraft has departed from the US carrying Indian nationals and is likely to land in India after a 24-hour journey. Reports indicate that more than 18,000 Indian migrants have been identified for deportation, though the total figure is not clear.

 

Cost and Scope of Military Deportation Flights

 

The Pentagon has also expanded deportation flights, moving more than 5,000 immigrants detained in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California. Reports suggest that deporting a single migrant using military aircraft costs thousands of dollars. A recent flight to Guatemala was estimated at $4,675 per person, raising concerns about the financial burden of this approach.

 

India's Cooperation in Repatriation Efforts

 

India has also announced its readiness to collaborate with the US military over deportations. The Indian government has agreed to take back any Indian national abroad illegally provided there is proper proof of his or her identity. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said India views illegal immigration as the biggest security concern.

Indian migrants crossing the US border have increased in number, and such immigrants recently marked almost 25% of the illegal crossings at the northern entry points. Even though India holds a smaller share of total illegal immigration, the tendency has gained attention. A US Department of Homeland Security report estimated about 220,000 unauthorized Indian immigrants who resided in the US.

 

Strategic and Financial Debates Surrounding Deportations by Military

 

This follows the general policy of the Trump administration on immigration, as the administration has also sent troops to the US-Mexico border, opened military bases for housing migrants, and used military aircraft for deportations.

This policy has raised controversy because of its high costs and strategic implications. Proponents argue that it strengthens enforcement, but critics raise questions about the financial impact and the use of military resources for immigration control.

 

Impact on US-India Relations

 

The US-India relationship is one of the main factors in managing these deportations. President Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have had discussions on immigration policy, where both parties have been working to ensure smooth repatriation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also expressed concerns over the growing number of Indian migrants entering the US illegally.

 

Future of Military-Backed Deportations

 

It remains to be seen how this policy will develop in the coming months and whether the military will still be involved in enforcing deportation flights.