Over 3,200 Indians Deported From US In 2025: A Record Surge In Removals

The Trump administration’s intensified crackdown on irregular migration has led to the highest number of Indian deportations in 16 years, with government data revealing a sharp upward trend.

The United States has significantly accelerated the removal of foreign nationals this year, resulting in the deportation of 3,258 Indian nationals between January and November 28, 2025. This figure marks the highest annual total since 2009 and represents a dramatic rise from previous years, reflecting a broader, aggressive policy shift within the American immigration system. Official data presented to the Rajya Sabha confirms that the total number of Indians sent back from the US over the last 16 years has now reached 18,822.

A Sharpening Trend

The scale of these removals has surged over the past three years. In 2023, 617 Indian nationals were deported; that number rose to 1,368 in 2024, before more than doubling in 2025. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh noted that these actions target individuals for various reasons, including illegal entry—often associated with the "donkey route"—visa overstays, and criminal convictions. While some reports have cited varying figures depending on the reporting window, the government’s consolidated data underscores a consistent, year-long increase in enforcement.

Logistics of the Crackdown

The repatriation process has utilized a combination of travel methods. Of the 3,258 individuals deported this year, approximately 2,032 were returned on regular commercial flights, while 1,226 were processed via charter flights arranged by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The use of chartered aircraft is typically reserved for large-scale operations, signaling the intensity of the current administration’s focus on clearing backlogs of undocumented individuals.

Diplomatic Friction and Humane Treatment

The spike in deportations has prompted the Indian government to engage in active dialogue with Washington regarding the treatment of returnees. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar informed Parliament that India has urged US authorities to ensure humane conditions, specifically requesting that women and children not be subjected to physical restraints like handcuffs during transit. A formal protest was recently lodged following reports of the maltreatment of 73-year-old Harjit Kaur during her deportation process in September.

Tackling Trafficking Syndicates

Beyond diplomatic efforts, the Indian government is facing pressure to dismantle the criminal networks facilitating illegal migration. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has intensified its crackdown on recruitment agencies and travel agents, successfully arresting 169 individuals linked to human trafficking this year. These syndicates often exploit vulnerable citizens promising entry into the US, a trend the government is attempting to curb by expanding its global diplomatic footprint, including new missions in Quito, Ecuador, and additional consulates in the US and Russia, to better monitor and support the Indian diaspora.