# 18,000 Indians identified as illegal immigrants in US
New Delhi: In a significant development, the United States has deported 205 Indian nationals aboard a military aircraft as part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing crackdown on illegal immigration.
The deportation was carried out early Tuesday morning when a US military C-17 aircraft, departing from San Antonio, Texas, took off at around 3 am IST. This move is part of a broader effort by the US government to enforce strict immigration policies under Trump’s administration.
Reports indicate that India and the US have identified approximately 18,000 Indian nationals residing in the US without legal status. According to the US Department of Homeland Security, over 1,100 Indian nationals were deported during the 2023-24 period. Globally, a total of 495 repatriation flights have returned 160,000 individuals to 145 countries, including India.
This deportation follows India’s recent verification of its nationals living illegally in the US. The flight from Texas is expected to be the first of several deportation efforts as the US intensifies its crackdown on unauthorized immigration.
In discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month, President Trump emphasized the need for India to take necessary steps in repatriating its citizens. Trump reaffirmed his commitment to securing US borders and vowed to halt illegal immigration, which he referred to as an effort to deport “criminal aliens.”
India has expressed its willingness to cooperate fully on the matter. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated that India remains open to the legitimate return of its citizens currently residing in the US illegally. The White House called the recent conversation between Trump and Modi “productive,” highlighting both leaders’ commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation on the issue.
