Trump-Era Immigration Crackdown Intensifies Deportations : Around 40 Nepalis Deported Arrive in Kathmandu

A chartered flight carrying approximately 40 Nepali nationals deported from the United States touched down at Tribhuvan International Airport today at around 4:15 p.m., according to immigration officials.

Since President Donald Trump assumed office for a second term on January 20, 2025, U.S. immigration authorities—primarily Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)—have escalated efforts to detain and expel undocumented residents.

Initial estimates from U.S. and Nepali authorities put the number of deported individuals between 37 and 40. Officials at the airport, including spokesperson Anjan Neupane, confirmed the flight was intended to repatriate individuals who violated U.S. immigration laws—mainly overstaying visas, entering illegally, or flouting final deportation orders.

According to Nepal’s Department of Immigration, 140 Nepalis have been deported from the U.S. since January alone—marking a steep rise from previous years (38 in 2021, 24 in 2022, 25 in 2023, and 53 in 2024).

Upon arrival, the deportees—32 men and 5 women, per Nepal News—were handed over to officials at the Anti‑Human Trafficking Bureau of Nepal Police.

The agency will conduct interviews to determine if any returnees were victims of human traffickers or labor exploitation. Investigations could be launched if such individuals file formal complaints. Many have reportedly paid brokers significant sums—ranging from NPR 4 million to NPR 8 million—to facilitate their journey through Central and South American countries.

All deported individuals will face health screenings and standard immigration checks before reuniting with their families. Those found to have engaged in criminal activity or fallen prey to trafficking networks may be subject to further legal proceedings.