Wed Feb 19 18:01:47 UTC 2025: ## Punjabis Make Up Largest Group Among Indians Deported from US: Government
**New Delhi, India** – A significant number of Indians deported from the United States are from Punjab, according to Indian government sources. This revelation comes days after Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann voiced his opposition to deportation flights landing in his state.
Over 333 Indians have been deported on three separate flights since February 5th, with the majority – 126 individuals, or 38% – hailing from Punjab. Haryana (110) and Gujarat (74) followed as the next largest groups among the deportees. The deportees included men, women, and children.
The increase in deportations follows through on campaign promises made by former US President Donald Trump to crack down on illegal immigration. Twenty-one deportation flights have landed in Amritsar since May 2020, raising concerns in Punjab. Chief Minister Mann previously criticized the use of Amritsar as a deportation center, citing its religious significance.
The Indian government addressed concerns about the use of handcuffs on deportees. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that this practice aligns with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) guidelines established in 2012 and detailed in a 2015 handbook. While acknowledging the concerns, Jaishankar stated that the government is actively engaging with the US to ensure the humane treatment of deported Indians.
First Piper 