Indian Student Handcuffed and Deported at Newark Airport Sparks Outrage

Key Takeaways

• On June 7, 2025, an Indian student was handcuffed and deported at Newark Liberty International Airport.
• Three to four Indian students are reportedly deported daily from US airports due to inspection issues.
• Valid visas don’t guarantee US entry; secondary inspection can lead to denial and deportation.

A video showing an Indian student being handcuffed, pinned to the ground, and deported from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey has triggered widespread outrage and urgent calls for action. The incident, which took place on the night of June 7, 2025, was brought to public attention by Kunal Jain, an Indo-American entrepreneur who witnessed and recorded the event. The video quickly went viral, sparking debate about the treatment of international students at United States 🇺🇸 airports and raising questions about current immigration procedures.

What Happened at Newark Liberty International Airport?

On June 7, 2025, an Indian student arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport, one of the busiest entry points for international travelers in the United States 🇺🇸. According to Kunal Jain, who was present at the scene, the student appeared visibly distressed and was crying as he was questioned by immigration officials. Jain described the treatment as harsh, saying the student was “treated like a criminal” before being handcuffed, pinned to the floor, and eventually deported on an evening flight.

The student, believed to be from Haryana, India, struggled to communicate with officials, possibly due to language barriers. Witnesses reported that he was unable to answer detailed questions about his visit, which led to his removal from the country. Jain and others have since called on the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, to investigate and intervene, but as of June 9, 2025, there has been no official response from either the Indian Embassy or United States 🇺🇸 Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

Why Did This Happen? Understanding US Airport Immigration Procedures

Many travelers assume that holding a valid visa guarantees entry into the United States 🇺🇸. However, this is not the case. When someone arrives at a US airport, they must go through a process called primary inspection, where a CBP officer checks their documents and asks basic questions. If the officer has any doubts about the traveler’s purpose, documents, or answers, the person is sent for secondary inspection.

Secondary inspection is a more detailed process. Here, officers may ask in-depth questions, check documents more closely, and sometimes use interpreters if there are language problems. If the traveler cannot clearly explain their purpose, show enough financial resources, or provide the right documents, the officer can deny entry. In some cases, if the person is seen as uncooperative or a flight risk, officers may use physical restraint, including handcuffs.

If denied entry, the traveler is usually placed on the next available flight back to their home country. Often, they are not allowed to contact family or their country’s embassy right away. This process can be very stressful, especially for students who may not fully understand what is happening.

How Often Are Indian Students Deported from US Airports?

According to Kunal Jain and other witnesses, incidents like the one at Newark Liberty International Airport are not rare. They claim that three to four Indian students are deported from US airports every day, with a noticeable increase in recent weeks. Since January 2025, a total of 1,080 Indians have been deported from the United States 🇺🇸, with about 62% of these deportations happening on commercial flights. While this number includes all categories of travelers, not just students, it shows a worrying trend.

Many of these cases involve students who have valid visas but are unable to answer detailed questions during secondary inspection. Sometimes, language barriers or nervousness make it hard for them to explain their plans. As a result, they are sent back to India 🇮🇳, often without a chance to contact anyone for help.

Who Are the Key Stakeholders?

Several groups and individuals are involved in this issue:

• Indian Students: The main group affected. Many come to the United States 🇺🇸 for higher education, often after years of preparation and significant financial investment.
• Kunal Jain: An Indo-American entrepreneur who witnessed the Newark incident and has become a leading voice calling for change. He described the event as a “human tragedy” and urged the Indian Embassy to take action.
• Indian Embassy in Washington, DC: The official body responsible for helping Indian nationals in the United States 🇺🇸. Many are now calling on the embassy to investigate and support affected students.
• Port Authority Police Department (PAPD): The officers who physically restrained and deported the student at Newark Liberty International Airport.
• Indian Diaspora and Advocacy Groups: Community organizations and advocacy groups in the United States 🇺🇸 and India 🇮🇳 are expressing concern and demanding better treatment for students.

What Are the Main Concerns Raised by This Incident?

Treatment of International Students

The video from Newark Liberty International Airport has raised serious questions about how international students are treated at US borders. Many people are concerned about the use of physical force, such as handcuffs, especially when the person involved is not accused of any crime. There are also worries about the lack of clear communication and the fact that students may not be allowed to contact their families or the embassy before being deported.

Visa Validity Does Not Guarantee Entry

A key point that has come to light is that having a valid visa does not guarantee entry into the United States 🇺🇸. CBP officers have the power to deny entry if they are not satisfied with a traveler’s answers or documents. This can be confusing and frightening for students who believe their paperwork is in order.

Language and Communication Barriers

Many Indian students, especially those from non-English-speaking backgrounds, may struggle to answer detailed questions during secondary inspection. Without access to interpreters or legal help, they can be at a disadvantage. Critics say this makes the process unfair and increases the risk of wrongful deportation.

Lack of Consular Notification

There are growing calls for better coordination between US authorities and Indian consular officials. Advocates want to ensure that students facing deportation are treated humanely and that their families are informed as soon as possible.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During US Airport Secondary Inspection and Deportation?

To help readers understand the process, here is a simple breakdown of what usually happens:

1. Arrival and Primary Inspection: The traveler presents their passport and visa to a CBP officer.
2. Secondary Inspection: If the officer has doubts, the traveler is sent for more questions and document checks. This may include interviews and, sometimes, language interpretation.
3. Decision Point: If the traveler cannot satisfy the officer about their purpose, financial support, or documents, they may be denied entry.
4. Detention and Restraint: If the traveler is seen as uncooperative or a flight risk, officers may use handcuffs or other restraints.
5. Deportation: The traveler is put on the next available flight back to their home country, often without being allowed to contact family or consular officials right away.

For more information on what to expect at US ports of entry, travelers can visit the official US Customs and Border Protection website.

What Do Experts and Community Leaders Say?

Human Rights Concerns

Many experts and leaders in the Indian diaspora have condemned the use of force and the lack of transparency in these cases. They argue that international norms require foreign nationals, especially students, to be treated with respect and dignity. The use of handcuffs and physical restraint, especially when no crime has been committed, is seen as excessive.

Security Perspective

Some commentators suggest that the use of multiple officers and handcuffs may indicate that there were additional concerns about the student’s behavior. However, there is no evidence that the student at Newark Liberty International Airport was involved in any criminal activity.

Procedural Critique

Critics also point out that language barriers and the lack of legal or consular assistance during secondary inspection put students from non-English-speaking backgrounds at a disadvantage. They call for changes to ensure that all travelers have access to interpreters and can contact their embassy if they are in trouble.

Background: Why Are More Indian Students Being Deported?

The United States 🇺🇸 has seen a rise in the number of Indian nationals being deported in recent years. This includes students, tourists, and workers. The main reasons given are problems with documentation or the inability to prove the purpose of the visit at the border.

In some cases, students have been deported for using fake educational certificates or because their SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) status was inactive. However, there is no evidence that the student in the Newark incident was accused of such issues.

US immigration policy has become stricter, with more detailed checks at airports. This means that even small mistakes or misunderstandings can lead to someone being sent back to their home country.

What Happens Next? Possible Future Developments

Diplomatic Engagement

The Indian government is expected to ask the United States 🇺🇸 for an explanation and may protest the treatment of its citizens, especially students, at US airports. There may also be calls for the United States 🇺🇸 to review its procedures for handling international students.

Policy Review

Both countries may look at ways to improve the process. The United States 🇺🇸 could review its airport procedures to make sure students are treated fairly. India 🇮🇳 might issue new travel advisories or offer pre-departure counseling to students heading to the United States 🇺🇸.

Advocacy and Legal Support

Indian community groups and advocacy organizations are likely to increase support for students facing immigration problems. They may push for more transparent and humane processes at US airports.

What Should Indian Students Know Before Traveling to the United States 🇺🇸?

Given the recent events, Indian students planning to study in the United States 🇺🇸 should take extra care to prepare for their journey. Here are some practical tips:

• Know Your Documents: Make sure all your documents are up to date and easy to access. This includes your passport, visa, I-20 form (for F-1 students), admission letter, and proof of financial support.
• Be Ready to Explain Your Plans: Practice answering questions about your course, university, and plans in the United States 🇺🇸. Officers may ask about your studies, where you will live, and how you will pay for your education.
• Language Preparation: If you are not confident in English, consider practicing common questions and answers. If you have trouble understanding, politely ask for an interpreter.
• Know Your Rights: If you are detained or questioned for a long time, ask to contact your country’s embassy. The Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, can provide help in emergencies.
• Stay Calm: Try to remain calm and polite, even if you feel nervous or upset. Losing your temper or refusing to answer questions can make things worse.

For official guidance, students can visit the US Department of State’s Student Visa page.

Official Contacts for Help

If you or someone you know faces problems at a US airport, here are some important contacts:

• Indian Embassy in Washington, DC:
  • Website: www.indianembassyusa.gov.in
  • Emergency Consular Services: +1-202-258-8819 (24×7)
• US Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
  • Website: www.cbp.gov
  • Traveler Information: 1-877-227-5511
• Port Authority Police Department (PAPD):
  • Website: www.panynj.gov/police

Summary Table: Key Facts

What Does This Mean for Indian Students and Their Families?

The incident at Newark Liberty International Airport has made many Indian students and their families anxious about traveling to the United States 🇺🇸. It highlights the importance of being well-prepared and knowing what to expect at the border. It also shows the need for better support from both governments and community organizations.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the growing number of deportations and the use of physical restraint have led to calls for urgent policy changes. Both the United States 🇺🇸 and India 🇮🇳 are under pressure to ensure that students are treated fairly and that their rights are protected.

Actionable Takeaways

• Students should prepare carefully for US immigration interviews and keep all documents ready.
• Families should stay informed about current travel advisories and support their children in understanding the process.
• Community groups and advocacy organizations can play a key role in providing information and support.
• Both governments should work together to improve procedures and protect the rights of international students.

The situation remains fluid, with official responses still awaited. In the meantime, Indian students planning to travel to the United States 🇺🇸 should stay alert, informed, and prepared for possible challenges at the border.

Learn Today

Deportation → The official removal of a foreign national from a country due to immigration violations or inspection failure.
Secondary Inspection → A detailed customs process where officers further question and verify travelers’ purpose and documents at a US airport.
CBP (Customs and Border Protection) → US federal agency responsible for border security and conducting inspections at points of entry.
Visa → An official document or stamp permitting a foreigner to enter, stay, or study in a country.
SEVIS → Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which tracks and monitors international students on US visas.

This Article in a Nutshell

A viral video shows an Indian student handcuffed and deported at Newark Airport on June 7, 2025, sparking urgent calls for diplomatic action over harsh treatment during US immigration procedures.
— By VisaVerge.com