NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — A fourth group of Indian nationals deported from the United States arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on February 23, officials confirmed. This group, comprising 12 individuals, marks the first batch returning from Panama after being expelled under U.S. immigration policies.
These deportees are among a group of 299 undocumented migrants who were recently deported to Panama by U.S. officials. Panama has become a hub for deportees from other nations, including India, under an arrangement in which the U.S. pays operational expenses and Panama offers temporary shelter and basic needs.
After reaching New Delhi, the 12 passengers went through normal immigration formalities. Four of them, from Punjab, were then taken to Amritsar by a domestic flight. Their identities have been verified by the local authorities.
The deportation process has been criticized, especially the handling of migrants during transit. There are reports that some deportees were flown in U.S. military planes, and they were allegedly restrained during the flight. India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke on these issues, saying that though countries have the right to deport foreigners living illegally, the process of deportation should maintain human dignity.
In Panama, close to 300 deportees from different countries are still accommodated in a hotel under police protection. Panamanian authorities, with the assistance of international agencies, are arranging their repatriation to countries of origin. However about 40% of the migrants have been showing reluctance to go back, and hence there are ongoing consultations regarding possible alternative destinations.
This move is one of the larger efforts by the U.S. administration to increase deportations of illegal immigrants. The partnership between Panama and the U.S. seeks to handle the intricate logistics of sending people back to nations that are diplomatically or logistically difficult to deport directly.
