The Biden administration has significantly escalated the deportation of Nepali immigrants through chartered flights during its final year in office. Data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals that over 100 Nepalis were deported via chartered flights between January 2021 and June 2024.
In fiscal year 2024 alone, 46 Nepalis were deported via chartered flights within just nine months—double the total of 22 deported throughout fiscal year 2023.
A total of 28 Nepalis were deported in fiscal year 2022, while 23 were deported in fiscal year 2021. During the early months of Biden’s presidency in 2021, only seven Nepalis were deported via these flights.
Under the Trump administration, 97 Nepalis were deported via chartered flights in 2020, with 162 Nepalis deported in fiscal year 2019 and 45 each in fiscal years 2018 and 2017.
Earlier, 25 Nepalis were deported in fiscal year 2016 and 23 in fiscal year 2015.
Most of the deported Nepalis were apprehended while attempting to enter the U.S. illegally, primarily through the U.S.-Mexico border. Many had paid human traffickers as much as $100,000 for the dangerous journey.
After being detained by ICE, they were held in U.S. detention facilities before being deported to Nepal at ICE’s expense.
The statistics exclude Nepalis who voluntarily left the U.S. after receiving deportation orders from immigration courts. They solely account for individuals deported while in ICE custody and transported on chartered planes.
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Kishor Panthi
View More PostsKishor Panthi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Khasokhas and NepYork. He is the author of three books, “Kampan,” "UNTRANSLATABLE" and “Zero Mile.” He writes about social issues, immigration, and politics.
