Opposition lawmakers in India protested in Parliament against the alleged mistreatment of deported Indian immigrants by U.S. authorities. Reports indicate that deportees were restrained during transport, causing public outrage. As the Indian government engages with U.S. officials over deportation practices, calls for accountability and dignified treatment continue amidst escalating political tensions.
On Thursday, opposition lawmakers in India disrupted Parliament, protesting the alleged mistreatment of 104 Indian deportees sent back from the U.S. A military plane brought the deportees to India, marking the first such flight amid a heightened crackdown facilitated by the Trump administration. Lawmakers described the treatment of the deportees as degrading, citing reports of them being chained and handcuffed during transit, which led to widespread outcry.
Congress party leaders like Renuka Chowdhury and Gaurav Gogoi condemned the conditions faced by deportees, stating that they had difficulty using restrooms due to restraints. As protests escalated, Parliament adjourned to accommodate the opposition’s demands for a discussion on the deportation issue. Alarmed by similar concerns raised after a contentious flight to Brazil, lawmakers are pressing for accountability regarding treatment during deportations.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) typically deploys shackle protocols on deportation flights, which have been minimal to India in the past year. Critics point to the administration’s shift to using military transport for deportations, contrasting with former practices relying on commercial flights. Despite this, U.S. officials maintain their regulations for deportation flights have remained consistent since 2012.
One deportee recounted that restraints were removed only upon their arrival in Amritsar, expressing shock at learning of their deportation just before the flight. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi joined protests, advocating for immigrant dignity through symbolic actions, such as wearing handcuffs and carrying placards. Gandhi emphasized, “Indians deserve dignity and humanity, NOT handcuffs,” highlighting public sentiment alongside the ongoing governmental dialogue with U.S. authorities.
India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar clarified that U.S. practices permit the use of restraints during flights. He reassured that the government is communicating with U.S. officials to ensure that deportees are treated humanely and that there was no change in the established protocols. Amid public unrest, this incident is anticipated to feature prominently in discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Trump during the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit.
The issue of deportation and treatment of Indian immigrants by U.S. authorities has raised serious concerns within Indian politics. With the increasing numbers of Indians being deported due to illegal immigration, opposition leaders are mobilizing protests against the inhumane treatment reported during these flights. The controversy intensified with new reporting of severe restraint during deportation flights, demonstrating a need for dialogue between the two nations regarding immigration policies.
The disruption in Indian Parliament reflects a growing concern over the treatment of deported Indians as opposition lawmakers demand accountability for their treatment by U.S. authorities. As U.S. practices are scrutinized and debated, Indian officials seek to ensure that deportees are treated with dignity. Ongoing discussions between the Indian Prime Minister and U.S. leadership will likely address these humanitarian concerns while balancing immigration enforcement.
Original Source: www.2news.com
