The Indian states of Assam and Gujarat are increasing efforts to find and deport people they believe are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. This move has raised serious concerns among human rights groups.

Over 250 Suspected Immigrants Found in Gujarat

Police in Ahmedabad, Gujarat have reported finding more than 250 people who they claim are Bangladeshi nationals living without legal documents. Officials plan to deport these individuals as part of a wider crackdown.

Assam Deports Over 300 People

Since May 2025, Assam has deported 303 people to Bangladesh. A senior official confirmed this number to Reuters. These deportations are part of a larger list of 30,000 people declared as foreigners by special tribunals over many years.

Old Tensions in Assam

The issue of illegal immigration is highly sensitive in Assam. Many Bengali-speaking families have lived there for decades. But some local Assamese speakers see them as outsiders who compete for jobs and resources.

Many Long-Term Residents Affected

Many facing deportation have homes, land, and families in Assam. Human rights groups say that many people are being wrongly identified as foreigners, even though they have lived in India for many years.

Human Rights Groups Speak Out

Lawyers and activists told Reuters that many people are being deported without a fair process. Some may lose their citizenship and become stateless.

“Many families with long ties to Assam are wrongly treated as illegal immigrants,” one human rights lawyer said. Activists warn that these actions could lead to serious rights violations.