In a recent crackdown on illegal immigration, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported the deportation of 1100 Indians Deported from the U.S. in 2024 for Illegal Stay. Royce Bernstein Murray, Assistant Secretary for Border and Immigration Policy at DHS, revealed that these individuals were sent back as part of the U.S. government’s efforts to enforce strict immigration laws.
Highlighting the scale of these actions, Murray stated that the fiscal year 2024, which concluded on September 30, witnessed the repatriation of 1,100 I Indians Deported from the U.S. who had been living in the U.S. without legal authorization. On October 22, one of the recent deportation flights, carrying 100 Indian nationals, landed in Punjab. Although specific departure locations within the U.S. were not disclosed, Murray underscored that individuals attempting illegal entry through borders, particularly from Mexico or Canada, could face similar consequences.
Murray explained that the recent deportees included only adult men and women, with no minors among them. These individuals, she noted, had no established legal grounds to stay in the U.S. and were therefore subject to deportation. She also cautioned that visa overstayers and individuals who entered legally but later engaged in serious criminal activities could also face similar outcomes.
“The U.S. is committed to upholding its immigration laws, and those violating these regulations should be prepared for consequences, including deportation,” Murray added.
Indians Deported from the U.S.-Past Deportation Actions
The recent deportations are not an isolated case but rather part of a broader, ongoing effort by the U.S. to curb illegal immigration. Over the past several years, the U.S. government has adopted stricter measures to address the rising number of undocumented immigrants, including those who attempt to enter through unauthorized crossings or remain after their visas expire. Similar large-scale deportations were seen in prior years, especially under the administrations that focused on enhancing border security and implementing tougher immigration policies.
During the Trump administration, for example, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) aggressively pursued policies to deport individuals with criminal records, as well as those with no legal grounds to stay. This resulted in an uptick in deportations, particularly among communities from South America, Central America, South Asia besides Indians Deported from the U.S. . Although the Biden administration initially took a softer stance on immigration, concerns over the southern U.S. border have continued to push for stringent actions in recent years, including enhanced cooperation with Mexico to control illegal crossings.
The deportation of Indian nationals has also been part of this broader strategy, especially as the number of Indian immigrants attempting to enter through the southern U.S. border has risen. In 2023 alone, several hundred Indians were detained while attempting to cross from Mexico, highlighting the need for coordinated actions between the U.S., Indian authorities, and countries in Central America where many immigrants transit on their journey to the U.S.
Legal Provisions for Deportation and Detention of Illegal Immigrants
Under U.S. law, particularly the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), individuals residing in the country without legal status are subject to deportation. The INA outlines provisions that give the DHS authority to detain and remove individuals who enter the U.S. unlawfully, overstay their visas, or engage in criminal activities while on U.S. soil. Section 212 of the INA specifies grounds for deportation, including unauthorized entry, overstaying, and certain criminal offenses such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and crimes of moral turpitude.
According to U.S. immigration law, illegal immigrants can indeed face jail time under certain circumstances. For instance, those caught re-entering the U.S. after a prior deportation order can be criminally prosecuted and sentenced to jail. In such cases, penalties vary, with first-time offenders facing up to 2 years in federal prison, and repeat offenders facing much longer sentences. Additionally, individuals involved in criminal activities or those posing a risk to national security may be detained in immigration detention centers before deportation, while those with severe charges may be transferred to federal prisons.
Moreover, under the “Expedited Removal” policy, individuals apprehended within 100 miles of the U.S. border who are unable to prove a legal right to remain in the country can be quickly deported without a court hearing. For individuals found within the country, ICE can initiate removal proceedings, which often involve detention until a final decision is reached by an immigration court.
The U.S. has multiple detention facilities across the country where undocumented immigrants are held until their deportation is processed. While these facilities are meant to house individuals temporarily, overcrowding has been a significant issue, leading to concerns about detainees’ well-being. Civil rights organizations have repeatedly raised questions about the conditions in these detention centers, pushing for reform and humane treatment of detainees.
The recent deportation of Indians Deported from the U.S. sends a clear message to others attempting to enter the U.S. unlawfully. With DHS reiterating its commitment to strict border controls, the journey through Mexico or Canada, often facilitated by human traffickers, remains fraught with risk. Prospective immigrants are being warned to avoid such perilous and illegal crossings, as the U.S. shows no signs of relaxing its immigration laws.
Indian authorities have also been cooperating with U.S. immigration officials to manage cases of illegal immigration and facilitate the return of deported nationals. Reports indicate that Indian consulates in the U.S. often provide necessary travel documents for deportees, ensuring a streamlined process for their return.
