Today marked five months since Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025, for his second term. Since taking office, the Trump administration has aggressively enforced policies targeting undocumented immigrants, significantly impacting various communities, including Nepalis residing in the United States.
Over these five months, the U.S. has deported 178 Nepali citizens back to Nepal. In June 2025 alone, 38 Nepalis were deported, with a notable instance on June 8 when 37 individuals—32 men and 5 women—were sent back on a chartered flight operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These individuals lacked legal authorization to remain in the U.S. Additionally, on June 7, one Nepali man, also undocumented, was deported.
The deportation numbers have surged month by month. In May 2025, 58 Nepalis were deported, a 123% increase compared to April’s 26 deportations. Earlier in the year, January saw 6 Nepalis deported, February 18 (including 6 on February 8 alone), and March 32.
An official from the Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu confirmed the figures: “Our records show 6 in January, 18 in February, 32 in March, 26 in April, 58 in May, and 38 by June 20. After the group of 37 returned on June 8, no further deportations have been recorded as of today.”
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, deported Nepalis are handed over to the Nepal Police’s Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau for questioning. After processing, they are released to relatives or friends. Police reports indicate that most deportees entered the U.S. illegally via Mexico, often paying up to $100,000 to smugglers for the journey.
This wave of deportations contrasts sharply with previous years. In 2024, only 52 Nepalis were deported over the entire year, meaning 2025’s five-month total is nearly triple that figure. Historical data from the Immigration Department shows 24 deportations in 2023, 22 in 2022, and 35 in 2021. From January 17, 2021, to December 30, 2024, a total of 133 Nepalis were deported.
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Suraj Ghimire
View More PostsSuraj Ghimire is a Nepali journalist based in Kathmandu. He focuses on political, social, migration, and international issues. He has also worked with various national television networks in Nepal.
