A C-17 military aircraft marked a significant moment in U.S. immigration policy by returning 104 Indian immigrants to India, reflecting ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Indian governments regarding illegal immigration. The flight, which touched down in Amritsar on 5 February 2024, is part of President Donald Trump’s broader immigration agenda.
The Role of Military Aircraft
This operation is the first instance of a military plane being used specifically for deporting illegal immigrants from the United States. According to U.S. officials, the aircraft’s utilisation underscores a shift towards using military resources to manage immigration, a strategy that has drawn both attention and criticism.
Details of the Flight
- Date of Arrival: 5 February 2024
- Departure Location: San Antonio, Texas
- Number of Migrants: 104 Indian nationals
- Composition: Majority from Gujarat and Haryana, with 30 from Punjab
The operation involved extensive scrutiny of the deported individuals upon their arrival, as they were escorted out in small groups by Punjab police after confirming their identities.
Implications for US-India Relations
The timing of the flight is notable, occurring just a week before a planned meeting between President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Migration has been a focal point in discussions between the two countries, with both sides working to manage concerns related to irregular immigration.
Financial Considerations
The cost of these military flights raises eyebrows, with reports indicating that a recent deportation flight to Guatemala cost roughly US$4,675 (S$6,362) per migrant. As the Pentagon gears up to deport more than 5,000 migrants, the financial implications of this strategy continue to unfold.
While the use of military resources for such purposes might signify a new approach, it also raises many questions about the humanitarian and ethical ramifications of such deportations.