In response to social media posts and rumors claiming the detention and deportation of an Indian national at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey, the Indian government has formally expressed concerns to the US Embassy in New Delhi.
This action follows the release of a widely shared video that showed a young Indian student being taken, detained, and pinned to the ground by US authorities. The video prompted intense internet outrage and discussion.
According to eyewitnesses, especially Indian-American businessman Kunal Jain, the student was crying, clearly upset, and insisted again that he was not mentally ill. Noting that even “terrorists are not treated this way” in the United States, Jain, who captured the incident on camera and posted it on social media, said the student was treated “like a criminal” and criticized the way the matter was handled. Jain claims that the student was restrained and deported that same day because he was unable to sufficiently explain to immigration officials why he was there.
The incident’s circumstances, the student’s planned travel, and his ultimate destination have not yet been officially disclosed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). To get further information and make sure Indian citizens remain safe, the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, and the Consulate General in New York are in constant communication with US officials.
The Indian Consulate General in New York responded to the incident by confirming continued communication with local authorities and restating its commitment to the wellbeing of Indian citizens. In the meantime, the US Embassy in India restated its stance on lawful travel, stressing that although the US accepts lawful visitors, it has stringent regulations against unauthorized entry, visa misuse, and breaking US law.
Concerns regarding the treatment of Indian citizens at US ports of entry have grown as a result of the incident among the Indian diaspora and potential students. The MEA is still investigating, looking for answers and suitable measures to resolve the issue and stop future incidents of this kind.
