June 17, 2025 | New Delhi | www.externalaffairs.in
In a post on Truth Social, Trump called upon federal agencies including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to execute sweeping deportations. “Now go, get the job done!” Trump urged, reaffirming his support to enforcement agencies and targeting so-called sanctuary cities—jurisdictions that resist federal cooperation on immigration enforcement.
The directive has triggered a new wave of protests across the U.S., with demonstrators condemning what they call a militarized approach to civil unrest and immigration policy. The “No Kings” movement, which coordinated nationwide rallies from Los Angeles to New York on June 14—coinciding with a military parade celebrating 250 years of the U.S. Army and Trump’s 79th birthday—saw tens of thousands take to the streets. Tragically, one protester died in a shooting in Salt Lake City, Utah.
India’s Concern: Welfare of Its Diaspora
Responding to the development, a spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) told ExternalAffairs.in that the Indian consulates in the U.S. have been “alerted and instructed to provide consular assistance” to any Indian nationals affected by mass detention or deportation efforts.
“We urge all Indian nationals in the United States, especially those in undocumented status, to stay updated through official consulate channels and to avoid areas of known civil unrest,” the MEA said.
The MEA further stated that it is engaging with U.S. authorities through diplomatic channels to ensure that due process and humanitarian considerations are maintained, especially for Indian nationals who may have overstayed visas but pose no criminal threat.
Political and Legal Repercussions in the U.S.
Trump’s action has already drawn legal challenges and criticism, especially over his use of military force to quell protests, a move seen by critics as eroding civil liberties and escalating state violence.
While the deportation programme was a campaign promise during the 2024 U.S. elections, recent developments—such as the reported pause on raids in farms and hotels—show conflicting signals from the administration, hinting at internal logistical or legal constraints.
Despite Trump’s polarizing approach, opinion polls had earlier indicated public support for stricter immigration enforcement. However, as the reality of mass raids sets in, protests have only intensified.
Diplomatic Outlook
India has historically taken a calibrated stance on global migration enforcement, advocating for humane treatment of diaspora communities while respecting the sovereign legal processes of host nations. Indian diplomats are expected to raise concerns about racial profiling, legal access, and safe repatriation, if deportations begin impacting Indian-origin migrants disproportionately.
With over 4.6 million Indian Americans and tens of thousands of undocumented Indians residing in the U.S., the situation is being watched carefully not only from New Delhi but also by families and civil rights groups across India.
Indian nationals in the U.S. can contact their nearest Indian consulate or visit mea.gov.in for emergency consular assistance and updates.
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