Indian Student Handcuffed, Pinned to Ground at US Airport Sparks Outrage
Shocking Restraint at Newark Airport
A disturbing video from June 7 captures the moment a young Indian student is forcibly restrained by Port Authority Police officers at Newark Airport in New Jersey. He is seen with handcuffs behind his back, feet chained, and physically pinned to the ground—visibly crying and pleading before being removed from the airport .
Kunal Jain, an Indian‑American entrepreneur who shared the footage, described it as a “deeply inhumane human tragedy,” adding, “He came chasing dreams, not causing harm” .
Student Speaks Out in Local Dialect
In the video, the student—who appears to be from Haryana—can be heard shouting in his native dialect: “I am not crazy… they are trying to prove I am” . He seemed disoriented, prompting Jain to note that the student was scheduled to be on the same flight as him but never boarded .
Calls for Diplomatic Intervention
Jain has urged the Indian Embassy and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to investigate the incident and ensure citizen safety abroad . He expressed deep concern, writing: “This poor kid’s parent won’t know what’s happening to him” .
Context: Rising Student Deportations
Amid intensified US immigration enforcement, especially under the current administration, several Indian students have reportedly been detained and deported for failing to clearly explain the purpose of their visit . According to Mint, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported an F‑1 student visa overstay rate of 3.5% for FY 2023 . The US deported over 1,500 Indian nationals in 2024, with 1,080 deported under a single administration .
US Authorities Defend Protocols
U.S. officials maintain that rigid restraint protocols during deportations are standard security measures. However, images of the student being treated like a criminal have intensified backlash and calls for review by both authorities and diaspora groups .
Growing Diaspora Outrage
Indian diaspora voices on platforms like X describe the event as a symptom of growing hostility toward international students. Many argue the student’s distress was exacerbated by inconsistency in how basic visa rules and entry requirements are enforced .
What’s Next: Calls for Investigation
Social media users, diplomats, and advocacy groups are demanding clear answers: Why was a student, presumably travelling on valid paperwork, restrained so forcefully? Is this reflective of broader policy? The Indian Embassy has not yet publicly responded.
This footage and the responses it has generated have become a focal point in discussions around US immigration policy and the rights of international students. As the Indian government and U.S. immigration officials examine the incident, many are watching to see whether this will prompt policy change or diplomatic action.
