Mumbai Opens First Detention Centre for “Illegal” Immigrants Amid Deportation Drive and Rights Concerns

Mumbai Opens First Detention Centre for “Illegal” Immigrants Amid Deportation Drive and Rights Concerns
———————————————-
A new detention facility for undocumented migrants has begun operations in Mumbai’s Bhoiwada area, holding around 40 Bangladeshi nationals awaiting deportation, according to Maktoob Media.

The centre, which was approved nearly two years ago but delayed due to administrative disagreements, officially became operational on March 26. It is designed to hold up to 80 detainees and is managed by the Social Welfare Department, with security provided by state forces and police stationed outside.

Officials say the facility is being used to temporarily house individuals identified as undocumented migrants—primarily Bangladeshi nationals—before deportation to the India–Bangladesh border. More than 1,000 such deportations were reportedly carried out in 2025, while around 400 detentions have already been recorded in early 2026.

Authorities acknowledged logistical issues, including overcrowding and a mismatch in male-to-female capacity, which has led to some detainees being held temporarily in police stations.

The detention centre is part of a broader state and national crackdown launched after the 2025 Pahalgam attack, targeting undocumented immigration across several Indian states.

However, the campaign has drawn criticism from rights groups, which warn that enforcement operations have disproportionately affected Bengali-speaking Muslims and Rohingya communities. Concerns have also been raised over due process, identity verification procedures, and reports of mistaken detentions of Indian citizens.

The Maharashtra government had previously approved two detention facilities, including the newly operational Bhoiwada centre and a larger permanent facility in Navi Mumbai that has yet to open.