On June 7, 2025, a video surfaced showing an Indian student being handcuffed, pinned to the ground, and deported at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey. The incident, captured by Indian-American entrepreneur Kunal Jain, showed the student, who appeared to be speaking Haryanvi, visibly distressed and crying while restrained by Port Authority Police officers. Jain described the treatment as “deeply inhumane,” noting the student was treated “like a criminal” despite “chasing dreams, not causing harm.” The student reportedly faced deportation after allegedly failing to adequately explain the purpose of his visit during a 5-6 hour questioning, despite having a valid visa. US Police action reminded of hate crimes executed by White American Policemen in past against people of colour which created an outrage across the world.
The Indian Consulate in New York responded on June 9, stating they were in contact with local authorities to address the situation, emphasizing their commitment to the welfare of Indian nationals. India has previously raised concerns with the U.S. over the mistreatment of Indian immigrants during deportations, urging humane treatment. The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many condemning the harsh treatment and calling for intervention, while some questioned the student’s inability to communicate effectively or the legitimacy of his entry.
This event occurs amid heightened U.S. immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s administration, which has led to increased deportations, including over 1,500 Indian nationals in 2024. The Los Angeles protests and troop deployments, as mentioned in your prior query, reflect the broader tensions surrounding immigration policy, though no direct link to this airport incident is evident.