Trump Deportation Drive Intensifies: 18,000 Undocumented Indians Face Deportation as ICE Expands Nationwide Crackdown
- By Thetripurapost Desk, Washington
- Jul 19, 2026
- 86
US President Donald Trump has intensified his administration's aggressive immigration enforcement campaign, placing nearly 18,000 undocumented Indian nationals at risk of deportation. The latest action marks one of the toughest phases of the US government's immigration crackdown, with federal authorities expanding raids, increasing detention capacity and preparing fresh deportation operations.
The renewed campaign is expected to rely once again on US military aircraft to transport deportees, a practice that previously generated widespread international attention and became a defining feature of Trump's strict immigration policy.
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ICE Raids Expand Across the United States
The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has significantly increased enforcement operations across several American states. Officials are carrying out frequent surprise raids targeting individuals living in the country without legal immigration status.
According to reports, many undocumented immigrants detained during these operations are now being transferred directly to detention facilities, leaving them with little or no opportunity to file appeals, seek legal representation or challenge deportation before removal proceedings advance.
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Ground Reports Reveal Growing Fear Among Indian Migrants
Investigations conducted across New York, Texas, California and New Jersey indicate that the intensified immigration enforcement has dramatically changed daily life for undocumented Indian communities.
Several reports have also highlighted allegations of poor treatment and difficult living conditions inside detention facilities where migrants await deportation.
Two Massive Detention Centres Added
To accommodate the increasing number of detainees, the Trump administration has reportedly converted two large warehouse complexes—one in El Paso, Texas, and another in California—into immigration detention centres.
The facilities, developed at an estimated cost of nearly ₹16,500 crore, have been handed over to ICE and are currently housing around 12,000 migrants awaiting deportation proceedings.
Immigration Lawyer Questions New Enforcement Strategy
Veteran immigration attorney Greg Siskind, who has handled immigration cases for nearly three decades, says enforcement procedures have become considerably stricter.
According to Siskind, undocumented immigrants previously had the opportunity to present their cases before removal. However, recent ICE operations have increasingly resulted in individuals being transferred directly to detention centres immediately after arrest.
He also pointed out that although US states maintain different human-rights frameworks under the federal system, ICE possesses nationwide authority to conduct immigration enforcement irrespective of individual state policies.
Over 3,500 Indians Deported in 2025
Data released by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in June 2026 shows that 3,567 Indian citizens were deported from the United States during 2025.
The ministry further stated that 1,076 Indians had already been deported during the first half of 2026, indicating that deportation operations remain active.
February 2025 Deportation Flight Triggered National Outrage
On February 5, 2025, the United States transported 104 Indian nationals to Amritsar aboard a military aircraft. Images showing several deportees in handcuffs and leg restraints drew sharp criticism across India, triggering political controversy and heated discussions in Parliament.
The latest expansion of Trump's immigration enforcement suggests that deportation operations are likely to remain a central feature of the administration's border security strategy in the coming months.
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