External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a statement in Rajya Sabha over the deportation of alleged illegal Indian immigrants from the US. In his statement, Jaishankar said that It is the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad. His first address came in the Upper House, the Rajya Sabha, which is likely to be followed by a statement in Lok Sabha.
Acknowledging that the deportations by the US are organised and executed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement ( ICE) authority, he added, "The SOP of deportation by aircraft used by ICE which is effective from 2012 provides for the use of restraint. We have been informed by ICE that women and children are not restrained."
India engaging with US to ensure deportees are not mistreated: Jaishankar
The Union Minister also emphasised that India is engaging the US government to ensure that the deportees are not mistreated in any manner. He also underscored in his address that India's focus should be on a strong crackdown against the illegal immigration industry.
"On the basis of information provided by the deportees, law enforcement agencies will take necessary, preventive, and exemplary action against the agents and such agencies," Jaishankar added.
Opposition raises the deportation issue in the Parliament
Earlier, over the same issue, the Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned till noon following an uproar by the opposition members. After the house assembled, the opposition members, mostly Congress MPs were on their feet trying to raise the issue.
Earlier, Speaker Om Birla tried to pacify the agitating members by saying the government has taken note of their concerns seriously. On Wednesday, a US military aircraft with 104 alleged illegal Indian immigrants landed at the Shri Guru Ramdas Ji International Airport in Amritsar.
"The issue is serious. It is a matter of foreign policy. The government has taken it seriously. The foreign country also has its own rules and regulations. You can raise your issues at 12 noon and allow the Question Hour to run smoothly," Birla said.
Of those deported, 33 each were from Haryana and Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh. Many people from Punjab, who allegedly entered the US through "donkey routes" or other illegal means by spending lakhs of rupees, are now facing deportation.
As Donald Trump assumed the Oval Office in the United States, the country's law enforcement agencies launched a crackdown against illegal immigrants.
Also Read | US military plane carrying deported Indians lands in Punjab's Amritsar | Watch