The deportation of illegal Indian migrants from the United States on a military aircraft marks a stark escalation in immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration. This move, the first such deportation since Mr Trump’s return to office, highlights a renewed effort to curb illegal migration, using military resources to expedite removals. It also signals a significant shift in how the US government perceives and handles unauthorised Indian immigrants. The fact that India has accepted the arrivals without much fuss suggests the matter was diplomatically resolved behind the scenes.

At the heart of this policy is the administration’s broader crackdown on illegal migration, particularly from South Asia. While deportation flights have historically been used for illegal migrants from Central and South America, the latest move extends this aggressive approach to Indian nationals, reflecting a shift in priority. The use of military aircraft suggests a heightened sense of urgency, aligning with Mr Trump’s long standing stance........

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