DHS hires chartered flight to deport illegal Indian immigrants ahead of US elections

The Department of Homeland Security has revealed in a post on X that the US hired a chartered flight to deport Indian nationals staying in the country illegally. The flight departed for India on October 22, the department further mentioned.

Indian nationals staying in the US are subject to quick deportations, and intending migrants should not fall for the lies of smugglers, stressed Kristie Canegallo, a senior official performing the duties of Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.

The statement highlighted that the department continues to enforce US immigration regulations and deliver strict consequences for people found entering the country illegally – in an effort to encourage the use of legal paths.

DHS tackling illegal immigration ahead of US elections

Illegal immigration has become a significant part of the upcoming US presidential election next month. Kamala Harris stands as the nominee of the ruling Democratic party and former President Donald Trump represents the main opposition, Republicans.

The Securing the Border Presidential Proclamation and accompanying Interim Final Rule have been in effect since June 2024. Consequently, the illegal migration crisis has been substantially eased. But there appears to be a need to do more.

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In fiscal year 2024, the Department of Homeland Security removed or returned more than 160,000 individuals and operated over 495 international repatriation flights to at least 145 countries. It is one of the tools the US is using to reduce irregular migration.