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The recent deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the United States has sparked significant political controversy in India. The incident, involving a US military plane landing in Amritsar carrying the deportees, has led to accusations of inhumane treatment and a strong backlash from the Indian opposition. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha, clarifying that the deportation process, while not new, has resulted in the return of 15,668 illegal Indian immigrants from the US since 2009. He defended the use of restraints, stating that it's part of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) standard operating procedure (SOP) effective since 2012. However, Jaishankar emphasized that women and children are not restrained, and that the deportees' needs regarding food, medical care, and toilet breaks are addressed during transit. He insisted that the February 5th, 2025 deportation flight followed established procedures.
The opposition's response has been forceful and dramatic. Several opposition leaders staged a demonstration in the Parliament complex, wearing handcuffs to symbolize the alleged mistreatment of the deported Indians. Their protests included slogans condemning the perceived insult to India and highlighting the inhumane conditions. The opposition's unified stance underscores the gravity of the issue and the perceived government failure to adequately protect Indian citizens abroad. The political ramifications are far-reaching, with the controversy adding fuel to the already existing tensions between the ruling party and the opposition alliance.
Understanding the US deportation process is crucial to analyzing this situation. According to reports, the process begins with arrest, potentially during traffic stops, workplace raids, or targeted raids on residences of individuals with criminal records. Detainees are then transferred to ICE detention facilities, where they await deportation. The length of detention varies, with individuals who arrived recently facing expedited removal, while others may face lengthy legal battles before deportation. Once a final order of removal is issued, detainees are flown to staging locations along the southwest border before deportation flights. Notably, the Trump administration's use of military aircraft for deportations has become a focal point of the controversy. The use of a C-17 Globemaster in a previous instance further fuels the argument that the method of deportation itself is unnecessarily harsh and dehumanizing.
The debate centers around the humanity of the deportation process. While the Indian government attempts to justify the use of restraints as part of standard procedure, the opposition effectively uses the image of handcuffed deportees to galvanize public opinion and amplify claims of mistreatment. The use of military aircraft, particularly in the context of deporting individuals who may not pose a significant security risk, is also subject to debate. Furthermore, the lack of transparency surrounding the entire process, as well as the treatment of the deportees during detention and transportation, further fuels the controversy. The ongoing debate necessitates a comprehensive review of the deportation process, including the need to balance security concerns with fundamental human rights. The use of restraints, the choice of transport, and the overall conditions should be critically examined in light of international human rights standards and principles of humane treatment.
Source: Handcuffs, chains part of deportation SOP, says S Jaishankar. What US rule says