As President Donald Trump returns to the White House for a second term, millions of undocumented immigrants in the US are facing a renewed threat of mass deportations. Among these, Indians—who constitute the third-largest group of undocumented immigrants, with an estimated 725,000 individuals—are bracing themselves for what could be one of the most aggressive crackdowns on illegal immigration in recent US history. With his nativist, “America First” agenda, Trump has made it clear that deporting illegal immigrants, especially those with criminal backgrounds, will be a cornerstone of his second term.
In his inaugural speech, Trump declared that his administration would launch “the most aggressive, sweeping effort to restore our borders the world has ever seen,” reaffirming his stance that illegal immigration represents an “invasion” that must be stopped. These words have struck fear into the hearts of millions of undocumented immigrants, including those from India, who have lived in the US for years, some even decades, in the hopes of a better life.
Trump’s Aggressive Immigration Enforcement
Trump’s return to power signals a sharp reversal from the more lenient policies of the Biden administration. During his first term, Trump enacted several executive orders designed to curb immigration, including building the border wall and ramping up deportations. This time around, he is pushing for even more drastic measures, including a pledge to deport millions of illegal immigrants by land or air. His administration is expected to prioritize individuals with criminal convictions, but the deportation effort could extend to those who have been issued deportation orders but have not yet been removed from the country.
According to DHS reports, about 655,000 individuals with criminal charges or convictions will be the first target. Next, Trump plans to focus on the estimated 1.4 million undocumented immigrants who have already been issued deportation orders, but are still residing in the US These deportations, which will primarily involve those who overstayed visas, are projected to require hundreds of flights.
Flight Logistics: How Many Flights Will It Take?
For the 40,000 individuals already in custody, deportation will involve an estimated 150 flights to countries around the world. But the larger challenge lies in deporting the additional 1.4 million people who have been issued deportation orders. To remove these individuals, authorities will need a staggering 5,000-plus flights. This logistical nightmare underscores the scale of Trump’s plan and the immense resources it will demand.
Among the millions of undocumented immigrants, Indian nationals will form a significant proportion of those deported, as they are the third-largest group in the US after Mexican and Salvadoran immigrants. Indian nationals, many of whom arrived on work visas and overstayed or entered through unauthorized channels, face heightened risks under Trump’s policies.
While deportation is often a lengthy and bureaucratic process, Trump’s administration aims to expedite removals, particularly for individuals from high-risk groups or those with criminal records. The aggressive immigration strategy is likely to lead to an uptick in detentions, deportations, and disruptions to families across the US.
Fear Among Indian Immigrants
The fear within the Indian community in the US is palpable. Many have lived in the US for years, sometimes for decades, and have become part of the fabric of American society. For those without proper documentation, however, the risk of deportation has now become a real and looming threat.
The Indian community in the US has grown rapidly over the past few decades, with many migrants arriving on work or student visas and overstaying their permits. But with increasing deportations, particularly under Trump’s first term, Indian nationals have become a focal point for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to DHS, 1,100 Indian nationals were deported in 2024 alone—an increase from previous years—highlighting the rising pressure on this group.
Many Indian immigrants are in a precarious position, particularly those who arrived at the southern border through Mexico, or who overstayed visas. These individuals, who might have been living quietly for years, now fear that their status could make them targets for removal.
Legal Challenges and the Role of Advocacy Groups
In response to Trump’s aggressive deportation plans, advocacy groups are mobilizing to support vulnerable populations. Immigrant rights organizations across the US are stepping up their efforts, offering legal aid and guidance on how to navigate the increasingly hostile immigration landscape. Many of these groups are focused on helping individuals who face imminent deportation or who are at risk of detention, advising them on how to respond to ICE agents and where to seek help if detained.
While Trump’s focus on deporting criminals is meant to prioritize those who have committed serious offenses, many undocumented individuals, including skilled professionals from India, have been in the country for years without criminal records. These people are now facing heightened anxiety, as they might be swept up in the broader dragnet targeting undocumented immigrants.
Impacts on the Indian-American Community
Indian nationals in the US represent a significant portion of the workforce, especially in fields such as technology, healthcare, and engineering. Many of them are highly skilled professionals who contribute not just to the US economy, but also to its cultural and social landscape. The possibility of mass deportations could have far-reaching consequences for American industries that rely on skilled labor.
The Trump administration’s crackdown is expected to disproportionately affect long-standing Indian-American families, causing disruptions to businesses, schools, and communities. While many of those who are targeted for deportation may eventually be allowed to return through legal means, the process could be lengthy and costly, leaving families in a state of uncertainty.
The Wider Migration Crisis: The Role of Mexico and Canada
As reported previously by FinancialExpress.com, while Indian migrants in the US have faced deportation pressures, there is also a growing trend of migrants from India attempting to enter the US through other routes. Many are passing through Mexico, and increasingly, Canada, as they attempt to bypass the tightened border controls. The US has seen a significant uptick in encounters with Indian migrants at both the southern and northern borders, highlighting the desperate lengths many are willing to go to reach the US
In 2024, over 3,000 Indian nationals were detained by Mexico’s National Migration Institute, marking a sharp rise in the number of migrants attempting to travel through Central America and Mexico. Meanwhile, Canada, which offers more accessible visa routes, has become an increasingly popular gateway for Indian migrants attempting to cross into the US
Looking Ahead: The Future of Indian Immigration
As Trump’s second term progresses, the fate of millions of undocumented immigrants remains uncertain. With deportations set to intensify, including a significant number of Indian nationals, the situation is expected to strain both US immigration systems and India-US relations. While the US will likely continue to collaborate with India to streamline deportations and reduce illegal migration, the prospect of large-scale deportations is putting immense pressure on families who have called the US home for years.
The logistics of this mass deportation will be overwhelming. The number of flights required to deport millions of undocumented immigrants is staggering—far more than 5,000 flights—and the humanitarian toll will likely weigh heavily on both countries.
For now, the Indian community in the US remains on edge, watching closely as Trump’s immigration policies begin to take shape and fearing the prospect of families being torn apart by the unrelenting enforcement of deportation laws.
