Kathmandu, June 9
A group of Nepali nationals deported from the United States arrived in Kathmandu late Sunday night, many carrying large sacks, while some returned empty-handed.
According to Anjan Neupane, spokesperson for the Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport, 37 Nepalis—32 men and 5 women—were deported by the US government for violating immigration laws. They were flown back to Kathmandu on a chartered flight.
It remains unclear whether the deportees were handcuffed during the flight. “They appeared normal when they arrived at immigration. We cannot confirm what happened on the plane,” said Neupane.
The group landed at Tribhuvan International Airport around 9 pm and exited the terminal around midnight.
Following the return of Donald Trump to the US presidency, his administration has ramped up its crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Those without proper visas, who overstayed their permits, or who were deemed to have questionable conduct have increasingly been detained and deported. In some cases, reports indicate that individuals from certain countries have been returned in handcuffs and leg restraints.
Since Trump’s second term began on January 20, 2025, a total of 140 Nepalis have been deported from the US, according to immigration data. The monthly breakdown includes 6 deportations in January, 20 in February, 30 in March, 26 in April, and 58 in May—showing a rising trend.
Sources indicate that many of those deported had paid large sums to human smugglers to enter the US illegally.
According to the Department of Immigration, previous years saw lower numbers: 35 Nepalis were deported in 2021, 22 in 2022, 24 in 2023, and 52 in 2024.
Upon arrival, the deportees are briefly questioned by the Bureau of Human Trafficking Control before being allowed to return home. Authorities only initiate further investigation if formal complaints are filed against agents or smugglers involved.
