The Indian Consulate in New York has initiated contact with local U.S. authorities following the circulation of distressing videos on social media showing an individual, reportedly an Indian student, being handcuffed and pinned to the floor by law enforcement officials at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The videos, first posted late Sunday night by Indian-American entrepreneur Kunal Jain, have sparked widespread concern and emotional reactions from members of the Indian diaspora. The visuals depict a visibly distressed young man, sobbing while restrained by officers of the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD) — the agency responsible for maintaining security and law enforcement across major transportation hubs in New York and New Jersey.
According to Jain, who claimed to have personally witnessed the episode, the student was speaking in a Haryanvi dialect, suggesting he hailed from the north Indian state of Haryana. The young man reportedly cried out that U.S. authorities were attempting to declare him “mentally unfit,” despite his repeated pleas.
Taking cognizance of the social media posts and videos that quickly gained traction online, the Indian Consulate in New York stated on Monday evening, stating,
“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.”
“The Consulate remains committed to ensuring the welfare of all Indian nationals,” the statement added.
A Scene of Emotional Distress
Jain, in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), described the incident as “a human tragedy” and recounted his helplessness while watching the young man—allegedly a student—being handled “like a criminal.” His posts resonated deeply with many members of the Indian-American community, who expressed outrage and sorrow over the treatment of the student.
“I witnessed a young Indian student being deported from Newark Airport last night — handcuffed, crying, treated like a criminal. As an NRI, I felt helpless and heartbroken,” Jain wrote.
He added that the individual appeared “confused and afraid,” raising serious concerns about how immigrant travelers, particularly students, are handled during airport screenings and deportation proceedings.
Photos and video clips shared by Jain show multiple officers holding the young man down near an airport gate area. The student is visibly distressed, struggling both physically and emotionally, as fellow passengers looked on.
Many social media users have since called for a formal investigation into the conduct of airport law enforcement and better support systems for foreign students traveling to the U.S.
Broader Sentiments Among Indian Immigrants
This incident has rekindled a familiar anxiety among many members of the Indian diaspora, particularly among students and first-time immigrants.
With the United States being one of the top destinations for Indian students seeking higher education and global career opportunities, airport detentions or deportations often serve as harsh reminders of the fragility of their status abroad.
Indian students, who account for a large proportion of international enrollments in U.S. universities, frequently face scrutiny at immigration counters, especially when traveling with newly issued visas or on complex documentation.
Episodes like the one at Newark not only damage trust in due process but also leave psychological scars on individuals who come with dreams of academic and professional advancement.
Status and Next Steps
As of Tuesday morning, there was no official confirmation regarding the student’s identity, current location, or legal status. It remains unclear whether the individual has been deported, is being held in custody, or has returned to India.
Authorities are reportedly examining the date and origin of the video footage, and efforts are underway to identify the individual involved. While the Indian Consulate’s swift response has offered some reassurance, community leaders and immigration advocates are urging both governments to ensure transparency and uphold the dignity of those involved.
The incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for robust support mechanisms for Indian nationals abroad, especially vulnerable groups like students.
For now, many in the Indian-American community are watching closely, hoping that the young man in the video receives the legal and humanitarian attention he deserves — and that no similar tragedy occurs again.