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A political debate has erupted over the deportation of Indians who tried illegally entering the US after video of them returning shackled surfaced.
Security personnel escort Gujarat natives deported from the US after they were brought to the Ahmedabad airport. (IMAGE: PTI)
Amid a political debate about the mode of deportation of 104 illegal immigrants, who reached an airport in Punjab chained and handcuffed, questions have been raised about humane treatment for the deportees.
The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday told the parliament that the deportation process “was not a new one” and this has been going on for several years, with 15,668 illegal Indian immigrants being deported to India from the US since 2009.
A US military aircraft carrying 104 illegal immigrants hailing from various states landed here on Wednesday. Of the deportees, 33 each are from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh.
Jaishankar stated that US deportations are managed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities and adhere to established protocols. “The standard operating procedure for deportations by aircraft used by ICE that is effective from 2012, provides for the use of restraints,” he said.
He further noted, “However, we have been informed by ICE that women and children are not restrained. Further, the needs of deportees during transit related to food and other necessities, including possible medical emergencies are attended to”.
Regarding toilet breaks, he clarified that “during toilet breaks deportees are temporarily unrestrained if needed in that regard,” adding that “this is applicable to chartered civilian aircraft as well as military aircraft”.
Jaishankar also confirmed, “There has been no change from past procedures for the flight undertaken by the US on February 5, 2025″.
Opposition parties condemned the alleged treatment of Indians deported from the US and slammed the Union government over it. Their MPs held a protest in the Parliament against the deportation of Indians who they said were treated “inhumanely”.
Is Handcuffing Of Deportees Allowed?
US immigration authorities follow a structured process when detaining and deporting individuals, as per a report by broadcaster NBC.
Arrests may occur during routine traffic checks, workplace inspections or targeted raids, particularly for those with criminal records.
Once detained, immigrants are moved to facilities operated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which manages over 100 centres across the country, collectively housing up to 41,500 people.
Depending on their legal status, deportation timelines vary — those in the US for less than two years can be removed swiftly without an immigration hearing, while others may undergo lengthy legal proceedings before facing expulsion.
A final deportation order results in detainees being flown to staging hubs in Mesa, Arizona; Alexandria, Louisiana; San Antonio, Texas; or Harlingen, Texas. From there, they are held for a few days before being transported to airports for removal, either on commercial flights or one of ICE’s 10 dedicated aircraft.
The Trump administration has intensified removals by deploying military planes for deportations. One such aircraft, a C-17 Globemaster, arrived in Amritsar carrying 140 Indian deportees.
According to ICE policy, all detainees transported on ICE Air flights must be fully restrained. This rule has been in effect since November 19, 2012. The restraints include handcuffs, waist chains, and leg irons.
Flights within the United States are called CONUS (Continental United States) flights. Flights to other countries are called OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) flights. Detainees are restrained on both types of flights.
Only ICE-approved restraints such as handcuffs and leg irons can be used. Security personnel on board have the authority to restrain any detainee who poses a threat.
Before the aircraft doors open at the destination, all restraints must be removed. Special restraints like spit masks, mittens and leg braces may be used in certain situations. This requires approval from the officer in charge.
Agreements between the US and foreign governments regarding deportation procedures remain in effect. These agreements also include rules about the use of restraints.
SOPs Inside Deportation Flights
Detainees on deportation flights are not allowed to carry any hand luggage. However, they are permitted to bring one checked bag weighing up to 18 kg.
Most detainees are restrained using handcuffs, leg irons and belly chains. However, children and parents travelling with children are not restrained.
Each flight is escorted by 13 to 20 guards. Medical staff are also present to handle any health emergencies.
Meals are provided to detainees during transit.
