US Embassy In India Issues Strong Warning Amid Outrage Over Handcuffed Student Incident
The U.S. Embassy in India has issued a stern advisory to Indian nationals, cautioning against any misuse of visas or attempts at unauthorized entry into the United States. This follows the viral circulation of a troubling video showing an Indian student in handcuffs at Newark Liberty International Airport.
In its latest statement, the embassy emphasized: “The United States continues to welcome legitimate travelers to our country. However, there is no right to visit the United States. We cannot and will not tolerate illegal entry, abuse of visas, or the violation of U.S. law.”
The message comes as immigration enforcement intensifies under the administration of former President Donald Trump, who has re-emerged as a dominant political force. A recent clampdown has targeted undocumented migrants, foreign students, and protestors, with sweeping deportations and stringent visa controls.
The embassy’s warning appears to be a direct response to growing public concern following the circulation of a video showing an Indian student detained and handcuffed at Newark Airport. Shared by Indian-American entrepreneur Kunal Jain, the video sparked widespread outrage. Jain described the student as visibly distressed and “treated like a criminal” while being deported back to India.
In reaction to the video, the Consulate General of India in New York confirmed it is “in touch with local authorities” and investigating the matter. The Indian National Congress held a press conference earlier today, sharply criticizing both U.S. authorities and the Indian government for what they describe as “inhumane” treatment of Indian students abroad.
“This young man went to the U.S. with dreams. What he got was handcuffs and humiliation,” said Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate. “He was deported like a criminal. And he is not the only one.”
Shrinate cited multiple cases of Indian students allegedly mistreated at U.S. airports and highlighted what she called discriminatory deportation practices. “While 682 Indians were deported on military planes, other nationals, including Chinese and Nepalese citizens, were sent home via commercial airlines. Why the double standard?” She also questioned the Indian government’s response, demanding action to safeguard students studying overseas.
The incident occurs amid escalating immigration restrictions in the U.S. Former President Trump recently reimposed travel bans affecting citizens from a dozen countries and ordered mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. The federal government has also cracked down on international students, especially in the wake of widespread pro-Palestinian campus protests in 2024.