Texas, USA: The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Fiscal Year 2024 report, published on December 19, reveals a substantial increase in immigration-related enforcement actions involving Indian nationals.

According to the report, 2,647 Indians were detained in 2024 for violating U.S. immigration laws. This surge reflects tighter immigration policies and heightened operational measures targeting individuals with outstanding removal orders.

Indian nationals are the fourth-largest group in ICE custody, trailing behind Mexico (5,089 detainees), Honduras (2,957), and Guatemala (2,713). The statistics underline the growing presence of Indian citizens in U.S. detention facilities.

Deportations of Indian nationals have also spiked dramatically. ICE deported 1,529 Indians in FY 2024, a sharp rise compared to just 292 in FY 2021. In 2021, Indians represented a small fraction of the 59,011 total deportations. By 2024, the total deportations soared to 271,484, with Indian nationals constituting a more significant proportion.

Over the years, deportation numbers have fluctuated significantly. For example, 1,616 Indian nationals were deported in FY 2019, followed by 2,312 in FY 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the numbers dropped sharply to 276 in FY 2022 and 370 in FY 2023.

Additionally, ICE data as of November 2024 reveals that 17,940 Indian nationals with final removal orders remain under the non-detained docket. These individuals are not held in custody but are monitored while undergoing deportation proceedings.

Beyond immigration enforcement, ICE’s Cultural Property, Arts, and Antiquities (CPAA) program partnered with Indian authorities to address the illegal trafficking of cultural artifacts. This collaboration included workshops and emphasized the agency’s dedication to protecting global heritage.

The increase in detentions, deportations, and monitored cases presents significant challenges for Indian nationals in the U.S. These developments highlight the critical need for legal guidance and advocacy to assist impacted individuals and their families.

ICE’s report underscores its ongoing commitment to national security and public safety through criminal investigations and the enforcement of immigration laws.