Bhagwant Mann Condemns Deportation of Indians in Shackles as 'Shameful'

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Key Takeaways

On February 15, 2025, a US military aircraft deported 119 Indians, with shackling during flights sparking nationwide outrage.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann condemned the use of restraints and accused the central government of targeting Punjab unfairly in deportations.
The Punjab government pledged aid for deportees and promised investigations into agents facilitating illegal immigration.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly condemned the recent deportation of Indian nationals from the United States in shackles. Calling it a “great shame” for India, Mann criticized both the United States’ treatment of deportees and the handling of their arrival in India. His comments came after the United States Customs and Border Protection (USBP) released a video showing Indian immigrants, labeled as “illegal,” being restrained with handcuffs and shackles during deportation flights. This treatment has sparked widespread debate and outrage, particularly in Punjab 🇮🇳, where a significant number of the deportees hail from.

Deportation Flights Land in Punjab

Bhagwant Mann Condemns Deportation of Indians in Shackles as ‘Shameful’

On February 15, 2025, a US military aircraft carrying 119 deported Indians landed at Amritsar Airport. This was the second deportation flight in just ten days; an earlier flight on February 5, 2025, had brought back 104 deported Indian nationals. Many of these individuals from the two flights were native to Punjab, with others coming from Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and several other states. Chief Minister Mann has voiced concerns over why Amritsar was chosen as the point of arrival, accusing the central government of singling out Punjab to tarnish its image. Mann questioned why deportation flights were not directed to other major cities like Delhi or Hindon, despite many of the deportees being from states outside Punjab.

Bhagwant Mann has suggested that the central government could have avoided putting Amritsar, a sensitive location near the international border, in the spotlight. Raising concerns over national security, Mann noted that US military aircraft landing at civil airports in Punjab could pose risks when other airbases or airports in the country could have been used.

Shackling Sparks Nationwide Outrage

The use of handcuffs and shackles on deportees during long flights has drawn significant criticism, with Mann describing the treatment as “deeply regrettable.” Expressing outrage on X (formerly Twitter), Mann said this behavior was unbefitting for a country like the United States and humiliating for India. Furthermore, he criticized the Haryana government for using prisoner vans to transport the deportees to their towns, calling it an “insensitive act” that added insult to injury.

The criticism was echoed by Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister, who met with deportees upon their arrival in Amritsar. Dhaliwal assured the deported individuals of Punjab government support, emphasizing that they were not criminals but victims of fraudulent middlemen and illegal immigration rackets. He pointed out that these individuals had been duped during their pursuit of better economic opportunities abroad.

Broader Political Implications

As this controversy unfolds, it has laid bare the tensions between the Punjab government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and the central government. Mann has accused the central government of discrimination against Punjab and orchestrating actions to damage the state’s image. Despite the fact that not all the deportees were from Punjab—67 of the 119 deportees from the February 15 flight were Punjabi—Mann accused federal authorities of disproportionately targeting his state.

The central government has denied such claims. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson and MP Praveen Khandelwal rebuffed Mann’s assertions, accusing the Punjab Chief Minister of politicizing a sensitive issue. Khandelwal argued that Mann and the AAP are more focused on securing political leverage than addressing key security concerns.

Security and Immigration Law

The deportations were conducted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a federal agency tasked with enforcing the United States’ immigration laws. These deportations were carried out as part of standard procedures in place since 2012. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar defended these actions, stating in the Rajya Sabha that it is India’s obligation to accept nationals living illegally abroad. According to Jaishankar, the central government worked in line with established practices before receiving the deported nationals from the US.

Mann, however, questioned the continued use of restraints during flights. These deportees, he stressed, were not fugitives or dangerous criminals. He called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise this matter directly with US President Donald Trump to ensure Indian nationals are treated with dignity.

Additionally, Mann suggested that India should consider sending its own planes to pick up Indian nationals being deported by the US. He pointed out that several other countries have used this approach to bring back their citizens.

Support for Deportees

The Punjab government has taken several steps to ensure deportees do not suffer further indignities upon their return. For those from Punjab, arrangements were made to transport them back to their home districts. Mann also offered assistance to deportees from Haryana, although the state has organized return plans independently. A day after their arrival, individuals from other states were flown to Delhi to continue their journey home.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has gone a step further by promising an investigation into the illegal immigration system that lured these individuals abroad. He has pledged to investigate fraudulent agents who charged large sums of money to facilitate unlawful migration. Mann has also vowed to ensure that the money taken by these agents is recovered. For the deportees, he stated that the Punjab government would provide job opportunities if they can successfully pass competitive exams. These commitments appear to be aimed at addressing the root causes behind illegal migration from the region.

Statelessness and Immigration Woes

The controversy over shackled deportees has reignited discussions in India about the treatment of Indian nationals abroad, as well as internal issues tied to illegal immigration. Many immigrants who end up being deported are individuals seeking better lives overseas, often duped by unscrupulous agents who exploit their desperation. These agents typically promise visas, jobs, or permanent residency but abandon their clients after charging them exorbitant fees.

The latest deportations highlight the broader challenges tied to undocumented immigrants. Although understandable from a diplomatic perspective, the case has triggered deeper discussions within India about whether current policies adequately address the vulnerabilities of undocumented migrants.

Complex International Relations

The matter also comes with international implications, potentially affecting India’s relationship with the United States. With Mann urging Modi to raise this issue with Trump, calls for more concrete diplomatic steps to protect the dignity of Indians abroad may gain traction. At the same time, the Punjab government’s criticism underscores wider disagreements between India’s central and state governments, reflecting diverging political objectives.

Furthermore, the impact of these flights on Punjab is likely to intensify debates on migration policies both at the national level and within the state. Punjab has long dealt with a high rate of migration, particularly among its youth who see foreign countries as a path to economic prosperity.

Looking Ahead

The shackling of deported Indian nationals has proven to be a contentious issue, bringing attention to illegal immigration practices, international relations, and the lasting social and economic impacts on individuals and families. The Punjab government’s efforts to support deportees and hold fraudsters accountable will be closely monitored. Meanwhile, the central government’s role in addressing these challenges remains under scrutiny.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the deportations underscore the need for countries to work collaboratively to respect human rights while enforcing immigration laws. For additional details on deportation procedures in the United States, you can visit the official US Immigration and Customs Enforcement website. With these issues continuing to unfold, it remains essential to strike a balance between national security, individual dignity, and global cooperation.

Learn Today

Deportation → The forced removal of individuals from one country back to their country of origin due to legal or immigration violations.
Shackles → Restraints often used to bind wrists or ankles, typically to prevent movement, commonly associated with prisoners or deportees.
Undocumented Immigrants → People residing in a country without legal authorization, often lacking official permits or visas required by immigration law.
Fraudulent Agents → Individuals or groups who deceive others, often charging large sums, by falsely promising legal immigration assistance or jobs abroad.
Immigration Laws → Rules and regulations a country enforces to control the entry, residency, and status of foreign nationals within its borders.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Blight of Shackled Deportations

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann condemned the shackling of deported Indian nationals from the US, calling it a national shame. Highlighting the plight of victims of immigration fraud, Mann demanded dignity for deportees and accountability for smugglers. This incident ignites crucial debates on human rights, illegal migration, and strained state-center dynamics in India.