'It could lead to...': US embassy warns visa applicants after Indian woman caught shoplifting in US

The US embassy in India has issued a fresh warning for US visa applicants after a video of an Indian woman allegedly caught shoplifting at a US store went viral on social media. The woman was accused of stealing items worth $1,300 (around ₹1.1 lakh) during her visit.

In a post on X, the embassy cautioned individuals against committing crimes such as assault, theft, or burglary while in the United States.

“Committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States won’t just cause you legal issues – it could lead to your visa being revoked and make you ineligible for future US visas,” the embassy said.

Committing assault, theft, or burglary in the United States won’t just cause you legal issues – it could lead to your visa being revoked and make you ineligible for future U.S. visas. The United States values law and order and expects foreign visitors to follow all U.S. laws. pic.twitter.com/MYU6tx83Zh

— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) July 16, 2025

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The statement further stressed that the United States values law and order and expects all foreign visitors to adhere to US laws.

Indian woman caught shoplifting at Target

According to a video posted by YouTube channel @BodyCamEdition, the Indian tourist was caught attempting to shoplift at a Target store. In the footage, she can be seen pleading with officers to let her pay for the items.

“But if I’m paying for it, what is the harm?” she asks.

An officer replies: “It would have been fine if you didn’t leave. You had the chance to pay. But once you left the store, you made the choice not to — and we can’t go back from that.”

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The latest advisory comes amid a series of recent restrictions and warnings related to US visa applications. Just last month, the US embassy had issued another advisory after an Indian student was detained and deported for attempting to enter the country illegally.

Though diplomatic advisories typically avoid harsh language, the embassy’s recent statements reflect a tightening of scrutiny over visa applicants and visitor conduct.