A group of 33 Gujaratis deported from the United States arrived at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Airport in Ahmedabad on early Thursday. They travelled on a domestic flight from Amritsar after being among 104 Indian immigrants deported as part of the latest crackdown on illegal immigration by the Trump administration.
The group included 13 individuals from Gandhinagar, 10 from Mehsana, four from Patan, and one each from Ahmedabad city, Ahmedabad rural, Vadodara rural, Petlad in Anand, Ankleshwar in Bharuch, and Juna Deesa in Banaskantha. Seven children were among those deported. Many of them hailed from villages in North Gujarat, including Joranang, Vasai, Dabhla, Chandranagar, Kherwa, Meu, Khanusa, Dabhada, Valam, Deesa, Siddhpur, Boru, Vadsma, Mansa, Manund, and Indrapura.
Strict security measures were in place at Ahmedabad airport. By 5 am, police teams from various districts had gathered to escort the deportees. An airport official told Vibes of India, “Upon landing, authorities initiated a verification process, recording the names, contact details, and other relevant information of those deported.”
Sources stated that Intelligence Bureau (IB) officials conducted preliminary questioning near the domestic lounge, following which local police verified their details against the list provided by Amritsar authorities. The first deportees exited the terminal at 6:57 am under tight security, each escorted by at least two police personnel.
Many covered their faces with masks or handkerchiefs and avoided speaking to the media. Some appeared visibly frightened as they were quickly ushered into waiting police vehicles.
Delayed Transfers to Respective Districts
A source from Ahmedabad airport confirmed to VOI, “The 33 Gujaratis were taken to Delhi from Amritsar and then travelled on an IndiGo flight. The flight departed Delhi around 5:25 am and reached Ahmedabad at 6:25 am.”
The transfer of deportees to their respective districts was briefly delayed due to a temporary shortage of escort personnel, causing a 40-minute halt in the process.
By 8:09 am, the last group of eight to 12 people from Mehsana was taken out through Arrival Gate-6 and directly into waiting vans bound for North Gujarat. Individuals from districts with only one deportee were among the first to leave the airport.
Once outside, they were transported under police supervision to their respective Local Crime Branch (LCB) offices, where their statements were recorded as part of legal procedures.
Some deportees faced further delays due to coordination issues with district police and remained at the airport until verification was completed. The state government and police coordinated efforts to ensure the deportees’ safe return home. To maintain security and privacy, they were kept away from media interactions throughout the process.
Families in Shock
Families of the deported individuals expressed shock upon learning of their undocumented stay in the US. Nikita Patel from Gujarat had reportedly told her family she was travelling in Europe.
“We are in shock about my daughter being sent back from America. We hope that she returns safely. She only spoke about staying in Europe, and there was no talk of going to the US. We got information through the media that 33 people from Gujarat are being sent back,” her father, Kanubhai Patel, told a section of the media.
He criticised the immigration crackdown, stating, “Many people go there by spending money. Their families will suffer due to this.”
Another deportee, Ketul Patel, had moved to the US a year ago after selling his flat in Surat. Prafulbhai Patel, who purchased the same flat, remarked, “He shouldn’t have done this. If he had to go to America, he should have stayed there legally. The family is very good in nature.”
Among the deportees were three members of the Gohil family from Gandhinagar: Kiransingh Gohil, his wife Mittalben, and their son Heyansh, who had moved to the US a month ago.
Kiransingh’s mother was emotional upon hearing the news, saying she had not been in contact with them for 15 days and had no idea how they had reached the US. “The villagers also don’t know how they went to the US. It would be good if they come back soon,” she said.
Focus on ‘Dollar Zone’ Villages
Some villages in Mehsana, such as Kherwa, Joranang, and Meu, have been referred to as the ‘Dollar Zone’ due to the high number of residents migrating abroad. The recent deportations have drawn attention to these regions.
Among those sent back were a woman from Meu village and a young woman from Kherwa, who had left for the US seven months ago. Their families and villagers declined to comment.
Authorities suspect the deportations may reveal details about human trafficking networks, and police questioning of those deported is expected to continue in the coming days.
Also Read: Adani Family Pledges Rs 10 Lakh Each for Weddings of 500 Divyang Women Every Year
