How Trump's immigration crackdown is affecting Indians: 1,076 deportations in 2026

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) revealed that 1,076 Indian nationals were deported from the US in 2026, a decline from 3,567 in 2025. The figures were shared by MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a media briefing, highlighting ongoing US enforcement actions under tightened immigration policies. The deportations include individuals with criminal records, undocumented status, or visa violations. Despite the reduction in annual deportations, the pace remains significant, reflecting broader US crackdowns on irregular migration. High-level talks between New Delhi and Washington continue to address balancing legal migration pathways with enforcement against unlawful entries. Jaiswal emphasized India’s cooperative stance, stating that discussions focus on facilitating legitimate migration while deterring illegal movements. India’s process involves verifying nationality claims before accepting repatriation requests from US authorities, as outlined in previous briefings. A recent case involved Parminderpal Singh, a 26-year-old Indian national arrested in Los Angeles on May 21, 2026, for vehicle theft, grand theft, trespassing, and vandalism. Singh remains in ICE custody pending removal proceedings, illustrating the enforcement’s scope. India’s verification protocols ensure only confirmed nationals are repatriated, as per Jaiswal’s 2025 statement. The bilateral arrangement requires US authorities to refer individuals claiming Indian citizenship, with New Delhi conducting background checks before accepting responsibility.