Four Bhutanese legal permanent residents from Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, have been deported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The men, who were detained earlier this month, were flown to India and are expected to be transported to Bhutan. According to Tilak Niroula, chairman of the Harrisburg Bhutanese Community, the men were initially moved to a New Jersey facility before their deportation. Niroula expressed concerns about their safety upon return to Bhutan, fearing possible imprisonment.
The deported individuals were part of a larger group of Bhutanese refugees who settled in the Harrisburg area as part of a resettlement program. They were living in the U.S. on green cards at the time of their detainment. ICE has not confirmed the deportation or provided specific reasons for the arrests, but it is known that some of the men had prior encounters with the law.
Governor Josh Shapiro emphasized the importance of due process, stating, "We welcome them here in Pennsylvania... I want to make sure that anyone who has been rounded up by the federal government is given full due process." The deportations have raised concerns within the Bhutanese community, which has a significant presence in Pennsylvania, particularly in the south-central region.
The deportation of these men reflects ongoing immigration enforcement actions and highlights the complexities of immigration law and its impact on refugee communities. As the situation develops, community leaders and elected officials continue to seek clarity and support for those affected.