‘Detect, Delete And Deport’: Suvendu Adhikari Unveils Trump-Style Crackdown On Illegal Immigrants In Bengal

Last Updated:May 25, 2026, 10:47 IST

The 'detect, delete and deport' slogan has long been associated with the BJP’s political messaging in Bengal on infiltration and border security.

From implementation of the 7th Pay Commission for West Bengal government employees to making the singing of Vande Mataram mandatory in schools and scrapping religion-based incentive schemes, the West Bengal government led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has announced a series of major policy and administrative changes after the BJP secured a historic victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. Among the significant changes is also a “detect, delete and deport" policy against illegal foreigners.

The government’s approach has also drawn comparisons with US President Donald Trump and his crackdown on undocumented migrants in the United States. Under the policy, the district magistrates have been directed to establish “holding centres" for those awaiting deportation.

Order Issued To Set Up Holding Centres

In an order issued on May 23, the foreigners’ branch under the state’s home and hill affairs department asked all district administrations to create facilities for “apprehended foreigners" and “released foreign prisoners" until their deportation or repatriation process is completed.

The directive referred to an advisory issued by the Union home ministry last year on the handling of Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas allegedly residing illegally in India.

“In this connection, it is requested to take initiative/appropriate action for setting up of Holding Centres in the district for apprehended foreigners as well as for the released foreign prisoners awaiting deportation/repatriation," the order stated.

Officials told PTI that the proposed facilities would function as temporary detention centres for people suspected of illegal stay in the country and for foreign nationals whose deportation formalities are under process.

Under existing central guidelines, suspected illegal entrants can be kept in such centres for up to 30 days while authorities verify their nationality and documents. District magistrates or officers of equivalent rank would take the final call on citizenship status.

‘Detect, Delete And Deport’ Policy

The “detect, delete and deport" slogan has long been associated with the BJP’s political messaging in Bengal on infiltration and border security. The state government recently also announced that infiltrators detained by police would be handed over directly to the Border Security Force (BSF) for deportation instead of going through prolonged legal procedures.

Why Comparisons Are Being Drawn With Trump?

The development has led to comparisons with Trump’s immigration policies, which focused heavily on mass deportation and stricter detention measures for undocumented migrants. Immigration remained one of the defining issues of Trump’s 2024 election campaign.

Trump’s administration expanded the powers of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allowing stricter detention measures and increasing the use of immigrant detention centres. While the policies were criticised by rights groups over concerns related to civil liberties and due process, Trump defended them as necessary for national security and curbing illegal immigration.

Mamata Banerjee’s Earlier Allegations

Earlier this year, former chief minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee had accused the BSF of facilitating illegal infiltration from Bangladesh.

“The border is not guarded by TMC or police; it is guarded by BSF," she had said. “They are facilitating infiltration, allowing criminals to cross the border, commit murders, and escape."

Policy Still At Early Stage

While the Bengal government’s proposed “holding centres" appear similar to immigrant detention facilities used in the US, the policy remains in its initial stages.

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