While human rights groups and immigration activists have voiced strong criticism of the U.S. government’s harsh treatment of Indian deportees, sent back home in handcuff and chains, the incident has been met with a disturbing silence from prominent Indian-American leaders and the Indian government.
Influential figures such as Sundar Pichai (CEO of Alphabet Inc.), Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft), Indra Nooyi (former CEO of PepsiCo), Arvind Krishna (CEO of IBM), and other successful Indian-origin leaders have refrained from commenting on the issue. Their silence has triggered widespread disappointment and disillusionment among diaspora communities.
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Equally troubling is the lack of a strong response from the Indian government, which has yet to issue a formal statement or take diplomatic measures to ensure the dignity and rights of its nationals abroad. This double silence — from Indian-American icons and India’s political leadership — has raised questions about accountability, empathy, and the moral responsibility of those in positions of influence.
The Deportation Horror: Humiliation in Chains
The deportation process has become increasingly draconian under tightened U.S. immigration policies. Indian deportees, many of whom had pending legal petitions or had overstayed their visas, were rounded up, detained, and deported in humiliating conditions.
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“They put cuffs on my wrists, shackled my feet, and even chained my waist. I felt like a dangerous criminal even though my only offense was overstaying my work visa,” said Manoj Kumar, a 41-year-old IT professional who was forcibly deported from Texas.
Another deportee, a woman from Maharashtra, described being separated from her teenage son during detention. “I begged them to let us stay together, but they ignored me. I was chained like a prisoner in front of my child. It was the most humiliating experience of my life,” she said.
Deportees were “handcuffed, had their legs chained and even struggled to use the washroom#TheNewsInsight #Deportation #Indian #America #TNI #Insights #PiN pic.twitter.com/yMnoWDdtIl
— TNI (@TNITweet) February 7, 2025
Immigration activists have condemned the inhumane treatment, urging U.S. officials to adopt humane practices during deportation procedures. “This is a violation of basic human rights. Deportation is already a traumatic experience; treating people like criminals only adds to their suffering,” said Anjali Desai, an immigration rights advocate with South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT).
Silence from the Titans of Indian America
The lack of response from influential Indian-origin figures in the United States has drawn sharp criticism. Sundar Pichai, Satya Nadella, Indra Nooyi, and other prominent figures have often spoken about diversity, inclusion, and immigrant rights at global forums. Yet their silence in the face of this crisis has been deafening.
US Border Patrol shares video showing Indians handcuffed & legs tied during deportation. pic.twitter.com/VVGb1eC3hH
— Pooja Mehta (@pooja_news) February 6, 2025
“I admire Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella for their achievements, but where are they now? Why aren’t they standing up for their own people?” asked Priya Sharma, a software engineer in California.
Many believe that these leaders have a moral responsibility to use their influence to advocate for better treatment of Indian immigrants. Their voices could potentially sway public opinion and prompt policymakers to adopt more humane immigration practices.
“When other communities face injustice, their leaders speak out. Why is it that our most successful voices remain silent?” questioned Raj Patel, a community organizer in New Jersey.
Muted Response from the Indian Government
In response to these concerns, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar acknowledged the situation, noting that U.S. regulations on restraints during deportation flights have been in place since 2012. He assured that the Indian government is engaging with U.S. authorities to prevent any mistreatment of deported Indian nationals.
Experts suggest that India’s strategic and economic ties with the U.S. may be a factor behind this diplomatic restraint. “India is heavily invested in maintaining a strong relationship with the United States, especially in areas like defense, technology, and trade. Criticizing the U.S. on human rights issues could jeopardize those ties,” said Dr. Raghav Menon, a professor of international relations at Jawaharlal Nehru University.
However, critics argue that the dignity and rights of Indian nationals should never be compromised for diplomatic convenience. “The government has a duty to protect its citizens, no matter where they are. This silence is both cowardly and shameful,” said former diplomat Suresh Chandra.
Outrage on Social Media and Calls for Accountability
The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media, with hashtags like #StandUpForIndians and #StopDeportationAbuse trending among Indian and diaspora users. Many are urging prominent Indian-Americans and the Indian government to address the issue publicly.
“Why is Sundar Pichai silent? Why is Satya Nadella silent? They speak about empathy and inclusion at tech conferences, but when it’s time to stand up for their own, they disappear,” tweeted journalist Ananya Mehta.
Several petitions have emerged, demanding that the U.S. government adopt humane deportation procedures and that the Indian government engage in diplomatic talks to protect the rights of Indian immigrants.
The Cost of Silence
The silence from Indian-American icons and the Indian government carries significant consequences. It sends a message that the humiliation and mistreatment of Indian nationals are not worth addressing. It undermines the confidence of the diaspora community, who look to these figures for representation and advocacy.
Community leaders stress that this is a moment of reckoning. “We need our leaders, both here and in India, to stand up for us. Silence is complicity,” said Deepak Malhotra, a community activist in Texas.
For now, the deportees and their families continue to grapple with the trauma of their experience, hoping that their voices will eventually be heard. But whether this episode will lead to meaningful change or be swept under the rug remains to be seen.
As one deportee poignantly put it, “I thought America was the land of opportunity and dignity. Now I only remember the chains.”
