Massive Crackdown on Illegal Immigration: Delhi Police Apprehend 548 Foreign Nationals in Year-Long Operation

The operation, orchestrated under the strategic command of Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma, mobilized various local intelligence units and station-level task forces to infiltrate pockets where illegal settlers had reportedly integrated into the local population. Data released by the department reveals that the Foreigners Cell spearheaded the crackdown, accounting for the highest volume of apprehensions with 318 individuals taken into custody. High-density areas such as Nihal Vihar and Mundka emerged as primary focal points, resulting in the detention of 134 and 87 suspects respectively. The net was cast wide, stretching from Rani Bagh to Paschim Vihar East, and even involved technical surveillance by the Cyber Police Station to track those attempting to evade traditional patrolling.

The demographic breakdown of the detainees highlights a significant concentration of South Asian and African nationals. Out of the 548 apprehended, 380 were identified as Bangladeshi nationals, forming the largest group of undocumented residents. The crackdown also swept up 111 Nigerians, alongside citizens from Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal, Russia, and Guinea. Investigators noted a recurring pattern where individuals would enter the country on legitimate short-term visas but continue to reside in the shadows for years after their documents expired. Following their apprehension, the individuals were presented before the Foreign Regional Registration Office (FRRO). Upon verification of their illegal status, formal deportation orders were issued, and the detainees have since been moved to detention centers to await repatriation to their respective home countries.

This intensified vigilance marks a shift toward a more proactive policing model in the National Capital Territory, where administrative scrutiny is being paired with grassroots-level intelligence to manage the challenges of an ever-evolving urban landscape. Beyond the immediate legal proceedings, the operation serves as a stern deterrent against unauthorized stay and highlights the Delhi Police's commitment to maintaining a robust security perimeter. As the capital navigates the complexities of international mobility, such operations are expected to remain a cornerstone of the district's strategy to ensure that residency remains strictly within the bounds of the law, thereby mitigating potential risks to internal stability.