National/ International Desk
5 December
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
Journalist & Research Analysis
India revealed that a total of 18,822 Indian citizens have been deported from the United States between 2009 and 2025. Out of these, 3,258 people were deported in 2025 alone. This information was shared in the Rajya Sabha by the External Affairs Minister during a discussion on issues related to illegal migration and human trafficking.
Responding to supplementary questions, the minister said that several state governments and national agencies have investigated human trafficking cases, with Punjab recording the highest number of incidents. He informed the House that the National Investigation Agency has probed 27 cases involving human trafficking. These investigations led to 169 arrests, while charge sheets were filed against 132 individuals. On August 7, authorities arrested two major traffickers from Punjab and Haryana, followed by two more arrests from Himachal Pradesh on October 2.
The minister added that Punjab has created a special investigation team to tackle the growing problem of illegal migration networks. According to the information shared with the Centre, Punjab registered 25 FIRs against 58 illegal travel agents, and 16 accused individuals have been arrested so far.
The minister also stated that India has strongly protested the treatment of deportees by US authorities in certain cases. He clarified that, after a February flight incident, no reports of women or children being handcuffed have been received. However, the government continues to monitor the situation closely.
Addressing a specific case involving a 73-year-old woman from Punjab who was deported from the US, the minister said that although she was not handcuffed, she faced poor treatment while in custody. The matter was taken up with American authorities to ensure accountability and prevent such incidents in the future.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of Indian citizens abroad while taking strict action against human trafficking networks operating within the country.