Over 3,705 foreign nationals, including 3,463 Bangladeshis, have been apprehended in Tripura since 2022 for illegally entering India. The arrests of 965 Bangladeshi nationals occurred in 2022, followed by 1,014 in 2023, 947 in 2024, and 537 in 2025. Most of these individuals have been deported to their respective countries after completing necessary legal procedures.
Currently, 220 foreign nationals remain detained in various jails across Tripura. Among the total arrested, 227 are Rohingya, while others come from countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Guinea, France, and Pakistan. Chief Minister Manik Saha highlighted the government’s efforts to prevent infiltration, emphasizing the establishment of Special Task Forces in all districts to address such issues.
The Chief Minister stressed the importance of maintaining vigilance against not only infiltration but also potential terrorist activities, drug smuggling, and international crime. He acknowledged challenges in completing barbed wire fencing along the border and reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing illegal entry using fake documents. Tripura, sharing an 856-km border with Bangladesh, faces significant vulnerabilities to cross-border crimes.
Border Security Force officials have intensified surveillance along the International Border, especially after internal unrest in Bangladesh in 2024. The Tripura High Court has instructed the state government to submit a detailed report within three months on measures taken to prevent infiltration. Responding to the directive, a senior leader emphasized the urgency of halting infiltration to safeguard internal security and protect the interests of indigenous populations.
The leader raised concerns about illegal immigrants obtaining Indian identity documents with alleged official support, complicating identification efforts. Despite efforts to address the issue, challenges persist in distinguishing illegal immigrants due to shared cultural traits. The legislator also highlighted the presence of a significant number of illegal voters in Tripura, urging authorities to take effective action against illegal infiltration.
