'Illegal migration not worth...': US embassy reacts to Indian deportations
What's the story
In a first, the United States has started deporting illegal Indian immigrants via military aircraft.
An unnamed US official told Reuters late on Monday that a C-17 aircraft had left for India with migrants aboard.
The C-17 US military plane took off from Texas with 205 verified Indian nationals onboard, NDTV reported.
Following the news of deportation, the US Embassy in New Delhi emphasized that America is "vigorously enforcing its border, tightening immigration laws, and removing illegal migrants."
Deportation flights
Pentagon facilitates deportation of over 5,000 immigrants
"These actions send a clear message: illegal migration is not worth the risk," the embassy added.
In line with President Donald Trump's pledge to crack down on immigration, the Pentagon has offered flights to deport over 5,000 immigrants held in El Paso, Texas, and San Diego, California facilities.
Military aircraft have previously been used for deportation to Guatemala, Peru, and Honduras.
These flights come with a hefty price tag; a recent flight to Guatemala cost an estimated $4,675 per migrant.
MEA's position
India's stance on illegal immigration and deportation
Earlier, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that it is ready to help bring back Indian nationals living illegally abroad.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is against illegal immigration as it is linked to organized crime.
He added that if their documents and nationality are verified, India would accept its nationals back.
Deportation statistics
Nearly 18,000 undocumented Indian nationals identified for deportation
President Trump has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured him India "will do what's right" about the return of illegal Indian immigrants.
Nearly 18,000 undocumented Indian nationals have reportedly been identified for deportation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In total, around 725,000 illegal immigrants from India live in the US, making them the third-largest group of unauthorized immigrants after Mexicans and Salvadorans.