Kerala Cracks Down on Illegal Immigration: 27 Bangladeshi Infiltrators Arrested in Kochi
In a significant operation against illegal immigration, the Kerala police, along with the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), arrested 27 illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators in Kochi on January 31, 2025. This was part of ‘Operation Clean’, a coordinated effort to identify and detain illegal immigrants residing in the state. The operation uncovered a shocking reality—many of these infiltrators had managed to obtain Aadhaar cards and secure employment, exposing serious loopholes in India’s identification system.
Aluva, Ernakulam | 27 Bangladeshi nationals illegally staying in Kerala's Kochi arrested. A total of 34 Bangladeshi nationals were arrested in January: Kerala Police
— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2025
Illegal Immigrants with Indian Documents
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Saxena, these individuals illegally crossed the border from Bangladesh and later acquired Indian identification documents through agents. He stated, “They have been in Kerala for varying periods and all of them have been working. Most of them had Aadhaar cards. They claimed to have secured Indian documents with the help of some agents. We have to track them down as well.”
The infiltrators were charged under the Passport Act and the Registration of Foreigners Act and have been remanded to judicial custody. Authorities are now investigating whether these individuals have connections in other states and if they were involved in any criminal activities.
A Growing Nationwide Crackdown
This is not the first such incident. Earlier in January, Kerala police nabbed seven more Bangladeshi infiltrators, bringing the total number of illegal immigrants arrested in Kerala this month to 34. The numbers continue to rise across India, indicating the deep-rooted problem of illegal immigration that has plagued the nation for decades.
What is noteworthy is that these arrests are happening not just in BJP-ruled states but also in opposition-ruled states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This indicates that the crackdown on illegal immigrants is now a national priority, likely due to the firm policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s central government.
The Modi Government’s Unwavering Stand on Illegal Immigration
If there is one administration that has consistently pushed for stronger border security and immigration reforms, it is the Modi-led BJP government. Under the previous Congress-led administrations, illegal immigration was brushed under the carpet, with political parties exploiting infiltrators as vote banks. However, with the current administration taking a firm stand, states—even those ruled by the opposition—are being forced to take action against illegal Bangladeshi and Rohingya infiltrators.
The crackdown is also part of a broader effort to secure India’s borders and eliminate threats posed by undocumented migrants. Many of these infiltrators have been linked to criminal activities, fake voter ID scams, human trafficking, and even terrorism. Their presence has significantly altered demographic compositions, especially in states like Assam, West Bengal, and Kerala, leading to rising concerns over national security and communal stability.
Immigration & Foreigners Bill 2025: A Game Changer?
BIG: Modi Govt to introduce Immigration & Foreigners Bill 2025 in Budget Session🔥
~ Bill aims to regulate entry of immigrants into India & tackle illegal immigration. But jolt to ROHINGYAS.
Opposition will now have to pick a side: India’s Security or their Vote bank?😂 pic.twitter.com/EyyfjbLzSQ— The Analyzer (News Updates🗞️) (@Indian_Analyzer) January 30, 2025
In a further push to regulate entry and tackle illegal immigration, the central government is expected to introduce the Immigration & Foreigners Bill, 2025 in the upcoming Budget Session of Parliament. Though the details of the bill are yet to be disclosed, it is expected to:
- Establish a comprehensive framework for managing immigration.
- Enhance border security mechanisms.
- Streamline deportation procedures to speed up the process.
- Introduce stricter laws to prevent illegal immigrants from acquiring Indian documentation.
- Address loopholes that have allowed infiltrators to integrate into Indian society undetected.
This bill is anticipated to accelerate nationwide action against illegal immigrants, ensuring they are deported swiftly and preventing legal challenges that have historically delayed deportation efforts.
A Window of Opportunity: Why Now?
Interestingly, the geopolitical scenario is working in India’s favor at the moment. With Donald Trump back in power in the United States, there is a global shift toward stronger border controls and tougher immigration policies. The previous US administration under Joe Biden was known to support pro-immigration policies, which indirectly emboldened the opposition’s pro-illegal stance in India. However, with Trump back, the US is less likely to interfere, giving India a golden opportunity to push forward its crackdown without external pressures.
Moreover, the political shift in Bangladesh has also removed roadblocks to deportation efforts. Under Sheikh Hasina, India shared strong diplomatic ties with Bangladesh, which made deportation a politically sensitive issue. However, after the coup that brought the new anti-India regime to power, India no longer needs to exercise diplomatic restraint in dealing with illegal Bangladeshi infiltrators. This presents an unparalleled opportunity to enforce mass deportations without worrying about damaging relations with Dhaka.
The Road Ahead: A Nationwide Approach Needed
While these arrests in Kerala are a welcome step, they are just the tip of the iceberg. The infiltration problem is massive, and thousands—if not millions—of illegal Bangladeshis and Rohingyas have settled across India. Many have established criminal networks, while others live under the radar with fake identities, waiting to be exploited by anti-India forces.
A nationwide effort is needed to identify, detain, and deport these infiltrators. States across the country must intensify verification processes, cancel fraudulent identification documents, and prevent illegal immigrants from accessing government welfare schemes.
A Step in the Right Direction
The arrests in Kerala are part of a much larger, much-needed movement to protect India’s sovereignty and security. The Modi government’s efforts to identify and deport illegal immigrants must be commended, as this is a task that was once considered impossible due to political resistance. However, the tide has turned, and the government is now pushing forward with full force.
With the Immigration & Foreigners Bill, 2025 on the horizon and increasing cooperation from opposition-ruled states, India is on the path to eradicating illegal immigration. But this is just the beginning. The success of this mission depends on sustained efforts, public support, and unwavering political will.
For too long, illegal infiltration has been ignored, and Hindus in affected regions have suffered the consequences. But today, under the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the battle against illegal immigration has finally begun.