In India, a series of immigration raids and heightened enforcement measures are creating an atmosphere of fear, particularly among marginalized communities. These actions, which have intensified under the current government, involve detentions, verification drives, and deportations, impacting the lives of thousands.

Increased Enforcement and Detentions

Recent months have seen a rise in immigration raids targeting those suspected of being "illegal migrants". In one instance, authorities in Punjab conducted raids on nearly 1,300 immigration firms following deportations of Indians from the U.S. These raids are not limited to specific regions; deportations are also underway in Delhi, where approximately 700 individuals have been moved to border states in the last six months.

In Gurugram, an affluent suburb of Delhi, hundreds of migrant workers, primarily Bengali-speaking Muslims from West Bengal, have been detained under suspicion of being illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. Detainees are often held in "holding centers" where they are required to provide documentation to prove their citizenship. Allegations of mistreatment and abuse by police during this process have surfaced, though officials deny such claims.

Impact on Communities

These immigration raids have had a chilling effect on marginalized communities. The constant fear of detention has led many workers to flee urban centers, abandoning their jobs and homes. This exodus has disrupted essential services, such as garbage collection and domestic help, affecting daily life.

The absence of a clear legal status and the lack of official citizenship certificates exacerbate the vulnerability of these communities. Even individuals with valid government IDs have been detained, leaving many in a state of uncertainty and fear. Human rights activists emphasize that the lack of documentation confirming citizenship after verification allows authorities to detain individuals repeatedly.

Concerns and Criticisms

Critics argue that these crackdowns disproportionately target Muslim minorities, particularly Bengali-speaking Muslims, leading to increased tensions. Some officials have claimed that these expulsions are necessary to reverse irregular migration and protect India's identity, while others deny targeting any specific community. However, the fear and mistrust among marginalized communities persist.

The recent increase in enforcement actions coincides with the introduction of the Immigration and Foreigners Bill, 2025, which aims to modernize and consolidate India's immigration framework. The bill introduces stricter penalties for violations of immigration norms, including imprisonment and fines for those entering the country without valid documentation or using forged documents. While the bill seeks to streamline immigration processes and enhance national security, concerns remain about its potential impact on vulnerable populations.

Historical Context

Crackdowns on alleged illegal immigrants from Bangladesh are not new in India. The two countries share a porous 4,096km border, resulting in movement of people across borders. However, these efforts have intensified under the current government, raising concerns about the targeting of specific communities.

In light of these developments, there are growing calls for greater transparency, accountability, and protection of the rights of all residents in India, regardless of their immigration status.