Chandigarh, February 6, 2025 — Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Sukhbir Singh Badal has strongly condemned the recent deportation of Indian migrants from the United States, describing the incident as an “insult to the nation.” Reports claim that the deported Indian migrants were sent back in handcuffs aboard a U.S. military aircraft, sparking outrage across India. Badal criticized the treatment of these individuals, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take up the matter with U.S. authorities to ensure that Indian citizens are treated with dignity and respect. Expressing his outrage on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Badal wrote, “The manner in which Indians have been deported from the United States in handcuffs on a military plane is an insult to the nation. The migrants are victims of circumstances, not criminals. They should be treated humanely.”
In his statement, Badal called for immediate diplomatic intervention, urging PM Modi to engage with the U.S. government to prevent such incidents from recurring. He also criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his alleged failure to act against illegal travel agents who lure young Punjabis into unauthorized migration schemes, often leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and legal troubles abroad. Badal demanded compensation for the families of the deported migrants and strict penalties for the travel agents responsible for facilitating illegal immigration. “It is highly condemnable that Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has not launched any crackdown on notorious travel agents who have played with the lives of our ambitious Punjabis by transporting them to the U.S. illegally,” he said.
The controversy erupted following reports that Indian migrants were deported from the U.S. under tight security, with allegations that they were handcuffed during their return. Although U.S. authorities have not issued an official statement, sources suggest the deportees were part of a broader crackdown on illegal immigration amid heightened border controls. The incident has triggered widespread condemnation from political leaders and civil rights groups across India, who have criticized the harsh treatment of Indian nationals abroad.
Punjab has long grappled with issues related to illegal immigration, fueled by unscrupulous agents promising lucrative job opportunities overseas. Many migrants endure dangerous journeys and face legal complications, detention, or deportation upon arrival in foreign countries. Despite promises from the Punjab government to address the issue, critics like Badal argue that insufficient action has been taken to dismantle illegal immigration networks operating within the state.
Badal’s remarks are expected to intensify pressure on both state and central governments to address the treatment of Indian deportees abroad, crack down on illegal immigration rackets, and engage diplomatically with the U.S. to safeguard the rights of Indian migrants. As the situation develops, further political reactions and potential diplomatic discussions are anticipated.
