A distressing video showing an Indian student being handcuffed, pinned to the floor, and crying at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey has gone viral, igniting widespread outrage and prompting swift responses from both Indian and US authorities.

The footage, shared by Indian-American entrepreneur Kunal Jain on social media platform X, captures the student’s harrowing ordeal as he was restrained by multiple officers before being deported back to India. Jain described the treatment as “deeply inhumane” and a “human tragedy,” emphasizing that the student was “chasing dreams, not causing harm.” The student, speaking in Haryanvi, insisted he was sane, but authorities appeared intent on portraying him otherwise. Jain also expressed concern that the student’s family was likely unaware of the situation unfolding far from home.

Reacting to the viral video, the Consulate General of India in New York confirmed it is in contact with local authorities to address the matter and reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of Indian nationals in the US. The consulate stated, “We have come across social media posts claiming that an Indian national is facing difficulties at Newark Liberty International Airport. We are in touch with local authorities in this regard”.

This incident comes amid a broader tightening of US immigration policies under the Trump administration, which has intensified crackdowns on immigrants, including mass deportations and stricter visa rules. The US Embassy in India reiterated this stance in a separate statement issued on Tuesday, warning that Washington “will not tolerate any abuse of visas or illegal entry” into the country. The embassy emphasized that while legitimate travelers are welcome, there is no automatic right to visit the United States, and violations of immigration laws will face severe consequences.

Kunal Jain, who witnessed the incident firsthand, highlighted that such cases are not isolated, noting that many students arrive with valid visas but face harsh treatment and deportation after failing to satisfy immigration officials about their visit’s purpose. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, around 1,080 Indians have been deported from the US since January 2025, reflecting the increasingly stringent immigration environment.

The combined developments underline the challenges faced by Indian students and other travelers amid evolving US immigration enforcement and the sensitive diplomatic efforts underway to protect their rights and welfare.

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