Tue Feb 04 12:20:00 UTC 2025: ## US Deports 205 Indian Migrants in First Military Deportation Since Trump Era
**San Antonio, TX –** In a significant move, the United States has deported 205 Indian nationals via a C-17 military aircraft, marking the first such deportation since the Trump administration. The flight, which departed from San Antonio, Texas, is en route to Amritsar, India, and is expected to arrive within 24 hours. News outlets including The Logical Indian, India Today, and News 18 first reported the event.
This deportation is part of a broader US initiative using military aircraft to deport migrants from various countries. The Pentagon has already used this method to repatriate migrants to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras. The total number of migrants deported through this program exceeds 5,000. While the cost of these military flights is substantial – estimated at over $4,675 per migrant for a recent flight to Guatemala – the US government maintains it is necessary to enforce immigration laws.
A US Embassy spokesperson, while declining to comment on specifics, reiterated the US commitment to vigorous enforcement of its border and immigration laws, stating that these actions send a “clear message that illegal migration is not worth the risk.” The spokesperson’s statement confirmed the deportations while maintaining confidentiality around individual cases.
Although India’s official response to the deportation remains pending, the Ministry of External Affairs previously stated its willingness to facilitate the return of undocumented Indian nationals from anywhere in the world. Estimates suggest approximately 18,000 illegal Indian migrants have been identified for deportation, though the actual number may be higher. Indian citizens account for roughly 3% of all illegal crossings into the US in fiscal year 2024, according to data from US Customs and Border Protection. The high cost of military transport highlights the significant resources being allocated to this aspect of US immigration policy.
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