On February 5, 2025, the Indian Parliament witnessed protests against the deportation of 104 Indians from the U.S., who were removed in handcuffs. Opposition leaders condemned these actions as degrading, while External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar assured humane treatment. Global responses from Colombia and Brazil reflect widespread concern regarding deportation practices and their implications for human rights.
On February 5, 2025, a significant uproar emerged in Indian Parliament regarding the deportation of 104 Indian nationals from the United States, who were reportedly shackled during the process. Opposition leaders protested by wearing handcuffs to highlight what they described as a “humiliating” treatment of deportees. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar affirmed ongoing engagements with the U.S. government to ensure the humane treatment of those being returned.
The deportations, heightened under the Trump administration, have generated controversy internationally, with Colombian President Gustavo Petro initially denying two U.S. military planes permission to land. His sentiment reflected a belief that Colombians should be treated with dignity, though he later allowed the flights to proceed after threats of tariff penalties from the U.S.
Similar backlash was observed in Brazil following the arrival of deported individuals in handcuffs. Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski criticized the U.S. actions as a “blatant disrespect” of human rights. In response, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva took measures to ensure that deported Brazilians were returned home respectfully and safely.
The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, amid concerns over the deportations, emphasized the importance of enforcing immigration law for national security. Under the Biden administration, a significant number of deportations occurred—more than 270,000 immigrants were returned worldwide in 2024 alone, with 1.5 million over four years.
During Trump’s previous term, the usage of Title 42 expedited deportations, allowing rapid returns without standard asylum processes. His executive orders have expanded the scope of enforcement significantly, making deportations applicable throughout the U.S. and limiting the rights of migrants to seek asylum, a reversal of previous protections.
The topic of deportation, particularly regarding how individuals are treated during the process, has sparked global discussions about human rights and immigration policies. Under both the Trump and Biden administrations, the U.S. has faced scrutiny for its handling of deportations. The incidents highlighted in Colombia and Brazil underscore a growing international concern about the treatment of migrants and the implications of U.S. immigration policies on other nations. These events shed light on the broader context of immigration enforcement and diplomatic relations.
The recent deportations of Indian nationals from the U.S., criticized by political leaders and comparisons drawn from international incidents in Colombia and Brazil, have brought to the forefront essential conversations about human dignity and rights during deportation. While the enforcement of immigration laws is deemed crucial by the U.S. government, the manner in which these deportations are conducted raises significant ethical questions, challenging national policy and international relations surrounding immigration.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
