The White House announced on Friday the commencement of large-scale deportation operations, stating that President Trump is fulfilling his “promise” to take decisive action against illegal immigration.
In a post on X, the White House emphasized the consequences for those entering the United States unlawfully. “Just as he promised, President Trump is sending a strong message to the world: those who enter the United States illegally will face serious consequences,” the post read.
Just as he promised, President Trump is sending a strong message to the world: those who enter the United States illegally will face serious consequences. pic.twitter.com/yqgtF1RX6K
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) January 24, 2025
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also announced the start of the operations, revealing that 538 illegal immigrant criminals, including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several individuals convicted of sex crimes against minors, have been apprehended.
In a post on X, she wrote, “Deportation flights have begun. President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences.”
Deportation flights have begun.
President Trump is sending a strong and clear message to the entire world: if you illegally enter the United States of America, you will face severe consequences. pic.twitter.com/CTlG8MRcY1
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) January 24, 2025
Leavitt further detailed that hundreds of individuals have already been deported using military aircraft, calling it the “largest massive deportation operation” in U.S. history. In another post, she added, “The Trump Administration arrested 538 illegal immigrant criminals including a suspected terrorist, four members of the Tren de Aragua gang, and several illegals convicted of sex crimes against minors.
“The Trump Administration also deported hundreds of illegal immigrant criminals via military aircraft. The largest massive deportation operation in history is well underway. Promises made. Promises kept,” the post concluded.
Meanwhile, India has reiterated its firm stance against illegal immigration. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that it would facilitate the return of Indian nationals overstaying or residing without proper documentation in the U.S. or “anywhere in the world.”
“We are against illegal immigration, especially because it is linked to several forms of organized crime,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said during a press briefing on Friday.
He elaborated, “For Indians not just in the United States, but anywhere in the world, if they are Indian nationals and they are overstaying, or they are in a particular country without proper documentation, we will take them back, provided documents are shared with us so that we can verify their nationality and that they are indeed Indians. If that happens to be the case, we will take things forward and facilitate their return to India.”
During his 2024 presidential campaign, Trump pledged to declare a national emergency to execute mass deportations of migrants living in the U.S. without legal permission. After taking office on January 20, he signed executive orders declaring a “national emergency” at the southern border with Mexico.
The U.S. government’s increasing focus on immigration policies has raised concerns within the Indian community in the U.S. While President Trump has expressed support for skilled immigrants, calling the H-1B program essential for bringing quality people into the country, the issue of undocumented Indian nationals remains unresolved.
