Sun Feb 16 00:17:00 UTC 2025: ## Second Plane of Deported Indians Arrives in Amritsar
**Amritsar, Punjab, India –** A second plane carrying Indian nationals deported from the United States landed in Amritsar on February 16, 2025, sparking renewed political debate. The flight, carrying an unspecified number of individuals deemed to have illegally immigrated to the US, follows a similar arrival on February 5th.
Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal and Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO met the deportees upon their arrival. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier assured that the state would provide appropriate care and temporary accommodation before the deportees are transported to their respective home states. The Ministry of External Affairs has already booked flights for their onward journey.
This latest deportation has reignited criticism of the US’s handling of the situation and the selection of Amritsar as the designated landing location. CM Mann previously accused the central government of a conspiracy to defame Punjab. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has affirmed India’s commitment to accepting its own citizens residing illegally in the US, he has also stressed the need to dismantle the human trafficking networks facilitating such migrations. He expressed confidence in US President Donald Trump’s cooperation in this effort.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar previously stated in Parliament that it is the responsibility of all nations to repatriate their illegal residents, emphasizing India’s engagement with the US to ensure humane treatment of the deportees. The situation continues to be a focal point of political discussion in India.
First Piper 