The return of 104 deported Indian migrants from the US has ignited political controversy, with protests from the Indian Youth Congress and opposition leaders

Several photos purportedly showing Indian illegal migrants deported from the United States are going viral on social media.

As many as 30 people from Punjab have been deported by the US. Relatives said they spent between Rs 30 lakh to 50 lakh to send them to America.

While 30 of the deportees are from Punjab, 33 each are from Haryana and Gujarat, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh, the sources said

Over 200 Indian immigrants, mostly from Punjab, are being deported from the US to Amritsar. Punjab authorities are prepared to receive them, but the state`s NRI minister expressed disappointment.

The flight appeared to be the first use of an American military aircraft to deport people to India, which is one of the top sources of illegal immigration to the United States.

A US deportation flight carrying about 100 Indian nationals accused of entering the country illegally has landed in the state of Punjab. The military aircraft, which left Texas late on Tuesday, is now in the city of Amritsar where authorities say they have put measures in place to process the deportees.