AHMEDABAD: Indian migrants attempting to enter the United States illegally are facing unprecedented risks, as US President Donald Trump’s intensified immigration crackdown has drastically reduced border arrests. According to US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) data, only 1,628 Indians were apprehended in February 2025, compared to 3,132 in January and over 5,600 in December 2024, marking the lowest numbers in four years.
Human smuggling networks, which once served as a lifeline for hopeful migrants, are now in retreat as deportations surge. Reports indicate that in February 2025 alone, the US deported 344 Indian immigrants, including 74 Gujaratis, via military aircraft. Notably, immigrants in the first three flights were reportedly chained and handcuffed, underscoring the administration’s tough stance on illegal immigration.
Of those detained in February, 238 were apprehended at the northern US border, 145 at the southern border with Mexico, and the remainder within the country. The breakdown includes four unaccompanied minors, three accompanied children, 52 individuals in family units, and 1,572 single adults.
A source within human smuggling circles revealed that Trump’s rigid immigration policies have severely crippled illegal operations, particularly affecting the movement of Indians, primarily from Gujarat, to the US.
“Since Trump intensified his crackdown, smugglers have become extremely cautious. The situation worsened after deportations on military flights to India began, nearly paralyzing illegal channels,” the source said.
Meanwhile, fear and anxiety have gripped Indian immigrants already living in the US without legal status. A man from Kalol, Gujarat, who has been residing in the US for years, shared his concerns.
“We constantly warn people back home not to take the illegal route. Immigration checks are frequent, and we are terrified. Many of us avoid public places, and some have even stopped sending their children to school,” he told TOI.
Historically, 90,000 to 1 lakh Indians attempt to cross into the US illegally each year. However, with Trump’s aggressive enforcement policies, these numbers are expected to decline even further in the coming months.
