Assam has detained and returned 18 foreign nationals attempting to illegally enter the country, according to Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Chief Minister announced the action on Wednesday night, emphasizing the state's commitment to border security.

While details regarding the individuals' nationalities or points of origin were not disclosed, Sarma conveyed a stern message via a post on X, highlighting his government's firm stance. He stated that Assam is focused on development and growth while remaining vigilant against illegal entry.

Assam shares a 267.5-kilometer international border with Bangladesh, spanning the districts of Sribhumi, Cachar, Dhubri, and South Salmara-Mankachar. The region is a key area of focus for surveillance and border management. An Integrated Check Post (ICP) is located at Sutarkandi in Sribhumi. Across the Northeast, there are three ICPs along the India-Bangladesh border, with the other two situated in Dawki, Meghalaya, and Akhaura, Tripura. Additionally, there is an ICP in Darranga, Assam, along the India-Bhutan border.

Assam Police had previously affirmed that they would collaborate with the Border Security Force (BSF) to prevent unlawful entry from Bangladesh, in accordance with the law, especially after the political unrest in Bangladesh last year. However, Indian passport holders would be allowed to return from Bangladesh through designated entry points in the state.

In related news, earlier in the week, Chief Minister Sarma announced that 19 illegal immigrants had been apprehended and deported to Bangladesh following a joint operation by the Assam Police and BSF in the Nagaon and Karbi Anglong districts. He communicated the coordinated effort via X, reiterating the state government's dedication to maintaining an infiltration-free Assam. Approximately 35 to 40 illegal immigrants are reportedly deported each week through ongoing enforcement measures.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Sarma has directed all district commissioners to identify any suspected illegal immigrants and proceed with their immediate deportation. District Commissioners are authorized to issue expulsion orders under the Immigrants Act of 1950, after which police or the BSF will escort the individuals to the border. In September 2025, the state cabinet approved a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) under the Immigrants (Expulsion from Assam) Act, 1950, providing guidelines for district officials and senior police officers to expedite the deportation process and prevent further illegal immigration. The BSF has also increased monitoring along the India-Bangladesh border.