A video showing an Indian student being handcuffed and pinned to the floor at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey has sparked widespread outrage and prompted the Indian government to take up the matter with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. The incident, which occurred on June 7, 2025, was brought to light by Indian-American entrepreneur Kunal Jain, who shared the disturbing footage on social media platform X.
The video shows the young man restrained by multiple officers, with at least two appearing to kneel on his back. According to Jain, the student was crying and appeared to be in distress. Jain, who witnessed the event firsthand, described it as a "human tragedy," stating that the student was "treated like a criminal." He claimed the student was scheduled to board a flight but was instead detained and later deported. He also noted the student was speaking in Haryanvi Hindi, which the authorities seemed unable to understand, and that his offer to translate was refused. Jain also posted that the student was yelling in Hindi, "I'm not mad, they're trying to prove I am."
The Indian Consulate in New York has acknowledged the incident and stated they are in touch with local authorities to ensure the student's welfare. They affirmed their commitment to the well-being of Indian nationals. The Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., is also reportedly seeking details from U.S. authorities.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has formally raised the issue with the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. While confirming they haven't yet received specific details about the incident, including the reasons for the student's detention, his intended flight, or his final destination, they are continuing to investigate.
The U.S. Embassy in India has reiterated its stance against illegal immigration, emphasizing that visa abuse and violation of U.S. laws will not be tolerated.
This incident has triggered a massive online outcry, with many raising concerns about the treatment of Indian nationals and international students under increasingly strict U.S. immigration policies. Some have questioned whether racial profiling or an overreach of immigration protocols were factors in the student's detention. Some reports indicate that similar cases are happening daily. There have been comparisons drawn to previous incidents, including one where Indians were sent back in a military plane while handcuffed, which had previously caused anger in India.
The incident comes amid existing tensions surrounding U.S. immigration enforcement, with some noting the U.S. government's intensified crackdown on international students, including instances of visa revocations without prior notice.
