The US State Department said on Friday that people who seek mass migration are often victimised along the way. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was quoted by the department saying that mass migration isn’t good for anyone and the only ones who benefit from this are the traffickers.

The statement comes at a time when US has carried out deportation of as many as 104 illegal Indian immigrants to India via an Army aircraft. The Opposition in India has called the move “inhumane” as there were claims that these immigrants were not treated appropriately. According to media reports, these deported individuals were allegedly forced to endure over 40 hours of travel with their hands and feet tied. They were reportedly only allowed to be unrestrained during their short toilet breaks, which were further complicated by long waits in line due to access to only one washroom on the plane.

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The Centre however argued that placing the illegal immigrants in handcuffs is a standard practice by the US and it is being followed since 2012. In fact, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in the Parliament that the government should ensure visa process for legitimate travellers is made easier. “It is the obligation of all countries to take back their nationals if they are found to be living illegally abroad,” Jaishankar said.

He also said that New Delhi is in talks with Washington to ensure that Indians who are benig deported from the US are treated with dignity and not subjected to any mistreatment upon their return.

USBP (US Border Patrol) Chief Michael Banks had said on X on Wednesdsay that if anyone enters the country illegally, they will be “removed.” He also shared a video of men being escorted on the US military plane in handcuffs and leg shackles.