Key Takeaways
• On June 7, 2025, an Indian student was handcuffed and restrained by officers at Newark Liberty International Airport.
• Over 1,080 Indians have been deported from the US since January 2025 amid stricter immigration enforcement.
• The Indian Consulate in New York is in contact with authorities and committed to Indian nationals’ welfare.
A recent incident at Newark Liberty International Airport has sparked widespread concern and debate about the treatment of international students, especially those from India 🇮🇳, in the United States 🇺🇸. On June 7, 2025, an Indian student was handcuffed and pinned to the floor by airport authorities at Newark airport. The event, captured on video and widely shared on social media, has raised questions about immigration enforcement, student safety, and the broader climate facing Indian students in the United States.
What Happened at Newark Airport?
The incident came to light when Kunal Jain, an Indian-American entrepreneur, posted a video on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on June 8, 2025. The footage showed a young Indian student, visibly upset, handcuffed and held down on the floor by at least four officers. Two of the officers had their knees on the student’s back. The student was crying, speaking in Haryanvi—a language spoken in northern India—and repeatedly saying, “I’m not crazy,” while insisting that the authorities were “trying to make me look insane.”
According to Jain, the Indian student was supposed to board the same flight as him but was detained at the airport. Instead of being allowed to board, the student was left behind, restrained, and later deported. Jain described the treatment as “deeply inhumane” and called it a “human tragedy,” emphasizing that the student “came chasing dreams, not causing harm.”
Why Was the Indian Student Handcuffed?
While the exact reason for the student’s detention and the use of force remains unclear, several factors may have contributed:
- Immigration Interview Issues: Jain mentioned that many students arriving in the United States fail to clearly explain the purpose of their visit during immigration interviews. If the officers are not satisfied with the answers, they may deny entry and order deportation.
- Increased Scrutiny: Reports suggest that U.S. authorities have become stricter with international students, especially those from India 🇮🇳, due to concerns about visa misuse or fraudulent documentation.
- Language Barriers and Stress: The student was speaking in Haryanvi, which may have made communication with officers difficult. Stress and confusion during questioning can also lead to misunderstandings.
Jain also noted a pattern: “Children arrive on a morning flight with a visa. For some reason, they fail to explain the purpose of their visit to the immigration authorities there, and they are sent back on an evening flight, bound hand and foot like criminals.”
Official Responses and Statements
The Consulate General of India in New York quickly responded to the incident. On June 9, 2025, the Consulate issued a statement:
“We have come across social media posts claiming that an Indian national is facing difficulties at Newark Liberty International Airport. We are in touch with local authorities in this regard. The Consulate remains ever committed for the welfare of Indian Nationals.”
As of June 10, 2025, there has been no official statement from U.S. authorities about the specific incident involving the Indian student at Newark airport. The student’s identity has not been made public, and there is no information about his current condition or whereabouts after deportation.
Growing Concerns for Indian Students in the United States
This event is not isolated. According to Jain, similar cases happen “every day, 3-4 such cases happen. Things have gotten worse in the last few days.” Many believe that the environment for Indian students in the United States 🇺🇸 has become more challenging, especially under what some media outlets describe as “Trump’s immigration crackdown.”
Key Points Highlighting the Broader Issue:
- Increased Deportations: According to data from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, about 1,080 Indians have been deported from the United States since January 2025.
- Visa Revocations: CNBC TV18 reported that the U.S. government is “intensifying its crackdown on international students, revoking visas without warning.”
- Atmosphere of Fear: The Times of India described the current climate as one of “panic and danger among the immigrants.”
These developments have led to growing anxiety among Indian students and their families, who often invest significant resources and hope in pursuing education in the United States.
Public Reaction and Social Media Outrage
The video of the Indian student being handcuffed and pinned at Newark airport quickly went viral, triggering strong reactions across social media platforms. Many users condemned the treatment, calling it “inhumane” and “unjust.” Some questioned whether the United States 🇺🇸 remains a safe and welcoming destination for Indian students.
Comments from social media included:
- “Indians should avoid going to the US even for a tour.”
- “Indian students must seriously rethink studying in the US. It’s no longer the dreamland we were sold.”
- “This is heartbreaking. That boy’s parents must be terrified.”
Others urged Indian students to reconsider their plans to study in the United States, citing the risks and uncertainty involved.
The Experience of Indian Students at U.S. Airports
For many Indian students, arriving at a U.S. airport is a moment filled with excitement and anxiety. The process can be intimidating, especially for those who are not fluent in English or are unfamiliar with the procedures. Immigration officers may ask detailed questions about the student’s plans, university, funding, and more.
If the officers are not satisfied with the answers, they have the authority to deny entry, cancel the visa, and order immediate deportation. In some cases, as seen at Newark airport, the process can involve handcuffing and physical restraint, which can be traumatic for the student involved.
Common Reasons for Detention or Deportation:
- Inconsistent Answers: If a student gives answers that do not match the information on their visa or supporting documents, officers may suspect fraud.
- Lack of Supporting Documents: Students are often required to show proof of admission, financial support, and return plans.
- Suspicion of Intent to Stay: If officers believe the student intends to stay in the United States permanently, rather than just study, they may deny entry.
For more information on what to expect during the immigration process at U.S. airports, students can visit the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) website.
The Legal Process: What Happens When a Student Is Detained?
When a student is detained at a U.S. airport, several steps may follow:
- Secondary Inspection: The student is taken to a separate area for more detailed questioning.
- Review of Documents: Officers check all documents, including the visa, I-20 form (for F-1 students), and financial statements. The Form I-20 is the official certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status.
- Decision: If officers are not convinced, they may cancel the visa and order deportation.
- Detention: In some cases, students are handcuffed and held in a secure area until the next available flight back to their home country.
- Deportation: The student is sent back, often without being allowed to contact family or legal counsel.
This process can be frightening and confusing, especially for young students who may not fully understand their rights or the reasons for their detention.
The Impact on Families and Communities
The incident at Newark airport has had a ripple effect, causing worry among Indian families with children studying or planning to study in the United States. Many parents are now questioning whether it is safe to send their children abroad, given the risk of detention, deportation, and public humiliation.
Jain, who witnessed the incident, expressed concern for the student’s family: “This poor kid’s parents won’t know what’s happening to him.” The lack of communication and transparency in such cases adds to the distress.
The Role of the Indian Government
The Indian Consulate in New York has stated that it is in contact with local authorities and is committed to the welfare of Indian nationals. However, many believe that more needs to be done to protect students and ensure their rights are respected.
Indian students are encouraged to:
- Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest travel advisories and immigration policies.
- Prepare Thoroughly: Carry all required documents, including admission letters, financial proof, and return tickets.
- Know Your Rights: Understand what to do if detained, including the right to contact the Indian Consulate.
For official guidance, students can refer to the Consulate General of India, New York.
Broader Implications for U.S.-India Relations
The treatment of Indian students at U.S. airports has the potential to affect the broader relationship between the United States 🇺🇸 and India 🇮🇳. Education is a key area of cooperation, with thousands of Indian students contributing to American universities and the U.S. economy.
Incidents like the one at Newark airport can damage trust and discourage future students from choosing the United States as their destination. They also raise questions about the fairness and transparency of the U.S. immigration system.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the growing number of deportations and visa denials has led to a sense of uncertainty among international students, with many now considering alternative destinations such as Canada 🇨🇦, Australia, and the United Kingdom 🇬🇧.
What Can Indian Students Do to Stay Safe?
Given the current climate, Indian students planning to study in the United States should take extra precautions:
- Double-Check Documents: Ensure all paperwork is complete, accurate, and up to date.
- Practice Interview Questions: Be ready to clearly explain the purpose of your visit, your study plans, and your financial situation.
- Stay Calm: If questioned by immigration officers, remain calm and polite. If you do not understand a question, ask for clarification.
- Contact the Consulate: If detained, request to contact the Indian Consulate for assistance.
The Need for Greater Transparency and Fairness
The incident at Newark airport highlights the need for greater transparency and fairness in how international students are treated at U.S. borders. While security is important, students should not be subjected to unnecessary force or humiliation.
Universities, advocacy groups, and governments must work together to ensure that students are treated with respect and that their rights are protected. Clear guidelines, better training for officers, and improved communication can help prevent such incidents in the future.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
The handcuffing and pinning of an Indian student at Newark airport is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by international students in the United States. It has sparked outrage, fear, and a call for change from students, families, and communities on both sides of the world.
As the Indian Consulate continues to seek answers and support the student involved, it is crucial for all stakeholders—students, parents, universities, and governments—to work together to create a safer, more welcoming environment for those who come to the United States in search of education and opportunity.
For students and families, staying informed, prepared, and connected with official resources is the best way to reduce risks and ensure a positive experience. For authorities, a commitment to fairness, respect, and transparency is essential to maintaining the trust and goodwill that have long been the foundation of international education.
If you or someone you know is planning to study in the United States, make sure to review the latest guidelines from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and stay in touch with the Indian Consulate for support in case of emergencies.
By working together and staying vigilant, we can help ensure that the dreams of Indian students—and all international students—are met with opportunity, not fear.
Learn Today
Handcuffed → Restrained with metal cuffs around the wrists, used by law enforcement to control a person.
Deportation → The formal removal of a person from a country for violating immigration laws or regulations.
Visa Revocation → Cancellation of a visa by authorities, preventing entry or continuation of stay in the country.
Secondary Inspection → A more thorough examination of a traveler’s documents and purpose of visit at a border checkpoint.
I-20 Form → Official certificate issued to students to certify eligibility for F-1 student visa status in the US.
This Article in a Nutshell
An Indian student was forcibly detained at Newark airport on June 7, 2025, igniting concern over US immigration treatment. Video footage stirred outrage as authorities handcuffed the student, raising questions about fairness and safety for international students, especially Indians, facing growing deportations and visa scrutiny in America.
— By VisaVerge.com
