Triumphant Return: 12 Indians Reunite with Families in Delhi After Harrowing Panama Ordeal
Twelve Indian nationals, recently deported to Panama by the United States, returned to India on Sunday evening, officials confirmed. This marked the first group of Indians to come back from Panama after their U.S. deportation. These individuals were part of a larger group of 299 undocumented migrants sent to Panama by the U.S. as part of the Trump administration’s ongoing mass deportation program targeting illegal immigrants.
Over 300 Indians have already been deported to India this month across three different flights. The group detained in Panama was flown to New Delhi and included four individuals from Punjab—Maninder Dutt (23) from Jalandhar, Jatinder Singh (34) from Patiala, and Jugraj Singh (33) and Harpreet Singh (30) from Gurdaspur. These four traveled via complex routes through countries like the Netherlands, Spain, Surinam, and El Salvador before reaching Panama.
Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sawhney confirmed their arrival at Sri Guru Ram Das Ji International Airport from Delhi. She mentioned that these individuals had paid large sums to illegal travel agents for what is referred to as “dunki travel” — a term for unauthorized international travel.
The return of Indian immigrants has sparked political controversy in Punjab. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized the central government for using Amritsar airport for processing deportees, alleging an attempt to malign the state’s reputation. Earlier, three batches of illegal Indian immigrants arrived from the U.S. on military aircraft, raising further political tensions.
This development highlights the ongoing challenges posed by illegal immigration and the diplomatic sensitivity surrounding international deportations, underscoring the intricate and often perilous journeys undertaken by those seeking residency in foreign lands.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/12-indians-land-in-delhi-after-being-sent-to-panama-by-us-9852707/
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Publish Date: 2025-02-24 02:07:00
