Wed Feb 05 14:30:00 UTC 2025: ## US Military Plane Deploys 104 Indian Deportations, Sparking Cost Concerns
AMRITSAR, INDIA – A U.S. C-17 military transport plane landed in Amritsar today, carrying 104 Indian nationals deported from the United States. The use of a military aircraft for this purpose has raised concerns about cost-effectiveness, particularly when compared to commercial flights.
The cost of using a military aircraft for deportations has already drawn criticism. One news outlet reported that transporting a single deportee from Guatemala to the US using a military plane costs an average of $4,675, significantly more than the $853 for a first-class commercial flight. The cost per deportee via military plane is also higher than using chartered ICE flights.
This incident follows a similar controversy involving the deportation of Colombians, where Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially demanded the use of civilian flights. He relented only after facing threats of penalties and tariffs from the United States.
The justification for using military aircraft for deportations stems from an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump in January 2020, authorizing the military to assist with border security. While the U.S. government also uses civilian flights, especially for deportations to nearby countries like Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Colombia, the use of C-17 Globemaster III aircraft remains prevalent, especially for longer distances. The U.S. possesses a large fleet of C-17s, valued at $75.8 billion.
Punjab’s Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, confirmed that authorities were prepared to receive the deportees, setting up counters at the airport. However, Punjab’s NRI Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal expressed concern, advocating for permanent residency instead of deportation, noting that many had previously held permits which had expired. He also plans to meet with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss the interests of Punjabis living in the United States and urged Punjab residents against illegal immigration.
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