February 6, 2025: Amid growing opposition protests over the alleged "inhuman manner" in which illegal Indian migrants were deported from the US, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the concerns raised in Parliament, asserting that the use of restraints was part of America's Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for deportations.
The issue gained traction after several opposition MPs, including Congress's KC Venugopal, staged a protest within Parliament, donning "handcuffs" to highlight the treatment of the deported individuals. They voiced their concerns about the manner in which these Indian nationals were reportedly mistreated during their return journey from the US.
In his address to the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar clarified that the practice of restraint during deportations is a standard procedure carried out by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He stated that the deportations by the US were governed by a protocol established in 2012, which includes the use of handcuffs and chains for male deportees. He reassured the opposition that efforts were underway to engage with the Donald Trump administration to ensure that the returning deportees would not face any further mistreatment.
Jaishankar also emphasized that women and children deported from the US were not subjected to restraints, addressing concerns raised by opposition members. "The SOP for deportations by aircraft, effective from 2012, provides for the use of restraint. We have been informed by ICE that women and children are not restrained," Jaishankar said.
Responding to questions about the treatment of the deportees during their journey, the Union Minister highlighted that the deportees were provided with food and medicine during the 10-hour flight. He also explained that during necessary toilet breaks, the deportees were temporarily unrestrained, ensuring their comfort where possible. Jaishankar reiterated that these procedures apply to both chartered civilian and military aircraft, and there had been no changes to the process in recent times.
The controversy intensified when a US Air Force aircraft carrying 104 Indian nationals landed in Amritsar as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. Many of the deportees were from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat. Some deportees, in interviews, claimed they had been handcuffed and shackled throughout the journey.
Additionally, a video released by US Border Patrol (USBP) chief Michael Banks showed Indian nationals restrained while boarding the aircraft, further fueling the protests.
Jaishankar’s statements, while confirming the use of restraints, underscored the importance of focusing on curbing illegal immigration. He concluded his remarks by stating that India’s efforts are geared toward a more robust response to the illegal immigration industry, aiming to prevent such issues in the future.