The Biden administration has deported 115 Nepalis via ICE removal flights, according to a report released Thursday by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These deportations took place during the Biden administration’s four years in office. While a total of 130 Nepalis were deported between fiscal years 2021 and 2024, 15 of them were removed during the first four months of fiscal year 2021, before President Biden assumed office.
The highest number of deportations under the Biden administration occurred in fiscal year 2024, with 57 Nepalis deported, marking a nearly 160% increase compared to the 22 deported in fiscal year 2023. In fiscal year 2022, 28 Nepalis were deported via ICE removal flights, while in fiscal year 2021, 23 Nepalis were removed. Of these, only 7 occurred after Biden took office. By contrast, during the final year of the Trump administration in 2020, 97 Nepalis were deported.
Most of those deported were apprehended while attempting to cross into the U.S. illegally via Mexico. After being detained, ICE held them in custody for a period before deporting them back to Nepal.
In fiscal year 2019, ICE deported 162 Nepalis, the highest number in recent years. The figures for fiscal years 2018 and 2017 were 45 each, while in fiscal year 2016, 25 Nepalis were deported. In fiscal year 2015, 23 were deported, and in fiscal year 2014, 44 Nepalis faced deportation.
The Nepalis subject to ICE deportations were mostly individuals who had paid thousands of dollars to brokers to enter the U.S. illegally via Mexico without proper visas. Some reportedly spent up to $100,000 for these perilous journeys.
A Nepali immigrant from Salyan, Nepal, who entered the U.S. without legal documentation, shared his experience with NepYork.com. He stated, “I borrowed over $100,000 to come to the USA. This loan has a high interest rate, and I don’t know when I’ll be able to repay it. I haven’t found work yet, and I’m struggling to cover my loan payments, support my family back in Nepal, and pay my lawyer’s fees.”
Ram Chhetri, a resident of Ghorahi-15, Dang, Nepal, invested a significant amount of money to enter the United States. Along with three companions, he embarked on a dangerous journey through 12 countries, enduring threats, starvation, and harsh treatment. They were detained by agents in Colombia and robbed of their money.
Despite surviving these challenges, Ram’s hopes were crushed upon reaching the U.S., where his asylum application was rejected after 14 months in detention, and he was eventually deported back to Nepal. Reflecting on his ordeal, Ram shared, “My parents sold land to send me to the USA. I regret the past, but I remain hopeful for the future.”
These figures do not include those who voluntarily left the U.S. after receiving deportation orders from immigration courts. Instead, they only account for individuals detained by ICE and deported at ICE’s expense. Additionally, the data does not include those with deportation orders who were not in ICE custody.
ICE’s nationwide enforcement operations during this period highlighted broader trends. ICE removed 271,484 noncitizens with final orders of removal to 192 different countries, including 88,763 individuals with charges or convictions for criminal activity; 3,706 known or suspected gang members; 237 known or suspected terrorists; and eight human rights violators.
More than 30% of those removed during the fiscal year had criminal histories, averaging 5.63 convictions and/or charges per individual, with many involving serious offenses. Additionally, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) identified and arrested individuals wanted in their home countries for crimes such as terrorism and participation in torture.
A recent ICE report revealed that 1,365 Nepalis with deportation orders are currently living in the U.S. without any legal status. Most received their deportation orders during the Trump and Biden administrations. However, those issued deportation orders before June 2015 have been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which shields them from deportation.
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.
