 "US military aircraft departs for India carrying illegal migrants: Report File Image/US Department of Defense via Reuters")
A US military plane deporting migrants back to India departed on Monday as President Donald Trump’s crackdown on migrants intensified after he assumed office in the White House, Reuters reported.
An official said the C-17 aircraft had departed for India with migrants aboard but would not arrive for at least 24 hours.
India is the farthest destination for the Trump administration’s military transport flights for migrants.
India ready to take migrants back
The Indian government has expressed its willingness to cooperate with the US in addressing illegal immigration. The issue was also discussed during a phone call between President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As per reports, India has agreed to take back at least 18,000 citizens living illegally in the US. The deportation flight is part of the same commitment.
India is open to the return…: EAM Jaishankar
After Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and Secretary of State Marco Rubio held bilateral meetings. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said that India is open to the return of undocumented Indians from the United States.
Trump intensifies crackdown
President Donald Trump has increasingly turned to the military to help carry out his immigration agenda. Trump has also sent additional troops to the US-Mexico border, is using military aircraft to deport migrants, and is opening military bases to house them.
So far, military aircraft have flown to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras, carrying illegal migrants.
Military flights are an expensive way to deport migrants. Reuters reported that a deportation flight to Guatemala last week likely cost at least $4,675 per person.
Trump took a hardline stance on immigration during his presidential campaign. Thus, after assuming office in the White House, he is implementing strict policies to curb both legal and illegal migration.
The Trump administration also plans to invoke the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to expedite the deportation of immigrants accused of being gang members, bypassing court hearings. This law was last used during World War II.