NIA investigates trafficking networks after US deportations

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in India is investigating human trafficking gangs after questioning several Indian nationals deported from the United States. Since January 2025, 388 Indians considered illegal immigrants in the US have been sent back to India. Most were deported directly on three flights to Amritsar, while others came through Panama. Union Minister Nityanand Rai said in Parliament that the NIA's inquiries revealed instances of organized human trafficking. Two cases have been registered so far, focusing on fraudulent immigration firms and agents that help individuals travel illegally to the US and Canada. The Punjab Police is aiding this investigation and has formed a special team to tackle such networks. In addition to the NIA, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is also looking into illegal immigration involving Indian nationals using student visas. According to reports, another 295 individuals are currently detained in the US, awaiting deportation. Since 2009, over 15,900 Indian nationals have been deported from the US, but the Indian government does not have specific data on the number of undocumented Indians currently in the US. This is because many have either overstayed their visas or entered the country without proper documentation. The NIA has a strong track record, having registered 652 cases since its formation in 2008, with a high conviction rate of 95.54%. The agency is also empowered to investigate attacks against Indian interests abroad, including incidents involving Indian embassies. The government is emphasizing a strict stance on terrorism, resulting in a reported 71% decrease in terrorist activities.