Deported Indian nationals arriving at Amritsar airport on a US military aircraft described being handcuffed and shackled during the flight. The 104 deportees, including 19 women and 13 minors, landed amidst increased US efforts to curb illegal immigration.

Jaspal Singh, a 36-year-old from Punjab, stated that their restraints were removed only after landing in Amritsar. He explained that he was detained for 11 days in the US before being deported. Singh was apprehended by US Border Patrol in January near the Mexican border. He claims to have been deceived by a travel agent who promised legal entry to the US for a fee of Rs 30 lakh.

Another deportee, Harwinder Singh, recounted a perilous journey through multiple countries, including Qatar, Brazil, and several Central American nations, before reaching Mexico. He described crossing treacherous terrain and a near-fatal boat trip, witnessing the deaths of two fellow travelers along the way. He also mentioned the theft of his belongings, valued at Rs 30,000-35,000, during the journey.

The group of deportees hailed primarily from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, with smaller numbers from other Indian states. Among them were women and children, including a young boy and two girls.

This deportation occurred shortly before Prime Minister Modi's scheduled visit to the US, where immigration is expected to be a key topic of discussion. Reports suggest that the US has identified thousands more undocumented Indians for potential deportation. A recent social media post claiming to show shackled Indian deportees was debunked by the Indian government, which clarified that the photo depicted Guatemalan nationals.