Gujarat police yet to launch probe into illegal trafficking as 33 more deportees arrive from US

The arrival of 33 more deportees from the United States has raised concerns over illegal immigration networks, yet Gujarat Police have refrained from launching a probe into human trafficking facilitators, citing the need to allow the returnees time to “recover from trauma.”

These deportees were part of a group of 112 Indians sent back on the third US military C-17 Globemaster aircraft that landed in Punjab’s Amritsar, marking a continued wave of repatriations under President Donald Trump’s second term. This latest arrival brings the total number of Gujaratis deported from the US to 74.

Despite mounting calls for accountability, Gujarat’s approach remains markedly different from that of Punjab and Haryana, where authorities have initiated crackdowns, made multiple arrests, and intensified investigations into trafficking networks responsible for facilitating illegal border crossings in exchange for hefty sums.

‘Come after a traumatic experience’

Gujarat’s Director General of Police (DGP) Vikas Sahay confirmed that no official probe had been ordered yet, stating, “We will conduct an investigation, but they have come after a traumatic experience, so we are giving them some time.”

The Gujarat Home Department has previously indicated that the deportees do not face prosecution under Indian law. However, sources said that no action has been taken at the state level against agents who orchestrate these dangerous journeys. Police officials from multiple districts confirmed that they have received no orders to initiate an investigation.

In stark contrast, Union Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar had assured Parliament on Feb 6 that the government would take decisive action against illegal immigration networks. Despite this, the Ahmedabad Crime Branch, CID Crime in Gandhinagar, and the State Monitoring Cell — specialized units responsible for handling immigration-related offenses — are not investigating the matter.

US deportation methods spark outrage

The deportation process itself has come under heavy scrutiny. On February 5, US Border Patrol Chief Michael W. Banks shared a video on social media showing Indian deportees in handcuffs and shackles as they boarded the first C-17 deportation flight. Banks declared, “If you cross illegally, you will be removed,” underscoring the U.S. government’s firm stance on immigration enforcement. The visuals triggered an uproar in the Indian Parliament, with lawmakers condemning the treatment of Indian citizens.

Arrival and dispersal of deportees

Following established protocol, police teams from various districts were present at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to receive the deportees. Law enforcement ensured a swift and discreet transfer, directly escorting them from the airport to their respective hometowns.

Most of the recent returnees hail from Mehsana, Gandhinagar, and Ahmedabad districts. Previous cohorts included deportees from Patan, Vadodara, Bharuch, Banaskantha, and Surat. Assistant Commissioner of Police V.N. Yadav confirmed that the group arrived in two batches—four individuals at 11:00 AM and the remaining 29 at 1:45 PM — before being transported home.

Gujarat’s delayed response raises questions

This is the third US military flight repatriating Indian nationals in recent weeks. The first, on Feb 6, carried 33 Gujarati deportees among 104 Indian returnees, while the second flight on Feb 11 brought back eight Gujaratis among 116 individuals. Despite these escalating numbers, Gujarat authorities remain passive, fueling criticism over the state’s inaction against trafficking networks.

With the central government vowing to dismantle illegal immigration ecosystems, all eyes are now on Gujarat to see whether authorities will follow through with concrete action — or continue to wait.