SATV 9 June, Kathmandu: A group of 37 Nepali nationals deported by the United States arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday aboard a chartered flight.

According to Anjan Neupane, spokesperson for the Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport, the deportees included 32 men and 5 women. The US government had arranged for their return via a special flight.

Officials said Nepal’s diplomatic mission in Washington DC had been informed about the deportation a week in advance. Upon arrival, the deportees were handed over to the Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau of the Nepal Police for further screening and inquiry.

Authorities are trying to determine how the individuals had reached the US and whether they had fallen victim to human traffickers. The Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau will initiate an investigation if any of them decide to file complaints against agents or traffickers who duped them.

The deportations are part of a broader crackdown on undocumented immigrants under President Donald Trump’s administration, which began on January 20, 2025. Most of those deported were reportedly found to have violated US immigration laws, including entering the country illegally or overstaying their visas.

Prior to this, the Trump administration deported a total of 140 Nepali nationals after President Trump took office earlier on January 20, 2025.