NEW DELHI – Post-BRICS and ahead of the November elections, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) carried out a large-scale deportation flight, on October 22, returning a significant number of Indian nationals to the Republic of India. These individuals, who lacked legal grounds to remain in the United States, were transported as part of an ongoing DHS initiative to address irregular migration and counter human smuggling through international cooperation, according to DHS officials.
The removal flight reflects the United States’ strengthened immigration policies and close partnership with the Indian government, part of broader efforts to ensure national immigration laws are enforced, promote lawful migration routes, and deter illegal entry. The DHS reported that since the introduction of the Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and related Interim Final Rule in June 2024, encounters along the southwest border have dropped by 55%. DHS data further indicated that over 160,000 individuals have been removed or returned through more than 495 international flights to over 145 countries—including recent high-volume flights to India.
“Indian nationals without a legal basis to remain in the United States are subject to swift removal, and intending migrants should not fall for the lies of smugglers who proclaim otherwise,” stated Kristie A. Canegallo, DHS’s Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. She reaffirmed the DHS’s commitment to enforce U.S. laws and encouraged the use of lawful pathways.
DHS officials cited close collaboration with foreign governments as key to successful repatriations. Over the past year, DHS has expanded removal flights to a wide array of countries, including Colombia, Egypt, Peru, and Uzbekistan. In fiscal year 2024, the number of individuals deported exceeded any annual count since 2010, marking a significant milestone for the agency.
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Through continued efforts, DHS aims to reduce irregular migration, ensure safe and orderly immigration pathways, and dismantle transnational human smuggling networks. As part of this initiative, the agency reiterated its commitment to protecting migrants from exploitation and misinformation, warning against smugglers who falsely promise legal entry. The DHS emphasized that those seeking to immigrate should rely only on legal avenues to prevent hardships, including potential deportation.