New Delhi: US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has said a jammed firearm averted a potential massacre at a Hindu temple near Chicago where he and his family were worshipping, calling the malfunction “divine intervention” amid what he described as surging anti-Indian hate.&nbsp;Speaking to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, days after authorities charged 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine, Illinois, in connection with an alleged plot targeting the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora on 11 October, Krishnamoorthi recounted the scene. “It was a beautiful fall day here in the Chicago area... countless families were celebrating inside the temple, including my own. Little did we know that a gunman was outside in the parking lot with his semi-automatic weapon and 300 rounds of ammunition intent on committing a massacre. He took one shot and his gun malfunctioned, jammed,” he said. “But if that had not happened, we would be having a much different conversation today.”&nbsp;Police said a vehicle registered to Paporakis entered the temple parking lot that afternoon. Prosecutors alleged he prepared an eight-page manifesto in which he expressed hatred for Indians, Jews, Black people and other minorities, describing them in dehumanising terms. He was arrested after a co-worker tip and faces charges including making a terrorist threat. No one was injured.&nbsp;Krishnamoorthi, who has long worshipped at the temple with his elderly parents, called the discovery “very shocking” and “horrifying”, noting the manifesto’s explicit targeting of Indians among other groups.&nbsp;The Illinois Democrat linked the incident to what he said was a sharp rise in anti-Indian rhetoric online and in politics over the past two years, directed even at figures such as Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley and Usha Vance. “I don’t care if you’re Republican or Democrat... we’ve got to condemn this hate,” he said.&nbsp;Krishnamoorthi accused some MAGA politicians of using “anti-Indian hate as a political tool”, calling it “a horrible sin, horrible political sin” that “plays on people’s fears and their bigotry toward Indians”.&nbsp;The Indian American congressman reacted sharply, when asked about US Vice-President JD Vance's recent comments, in which he referred to H-1B visa holders, predominantly Indian nationals, as “foreign indentured servants”.&nbsp;&nbsp;“JD Vance should know better,” he said. “JD Vance is married to an Indian American. He has children basically of Indian descent, and he needs to speak out and condemn this anti-Indian rhetoric... By participating in this type of rhetoric, he may think that is somehow enhancing his political viability, but quite frankly to me, he is hurting Indian Americans and endangering them, and I think it’s got to stop.” Vance has since then described his wording as imperfect and said his criticism targeted companies, visa system rather than workers, while emphasising he loves his Indian in-laws.&nbsp;On Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India this week for talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar focused on energy, trade and the strategic partnership, Krishnamoorthi said it would only help if Rubio and the Trump administration “listen carefully to concerns and address” issues. “If it’s merely... a situation where he’s delivering a one-way message, and he’s not listening... it’s not fruitful,” he added. He argued that US foreign policy conducted in a way that “pushes our friends, partners and allies away” risks damaging the relationship, while a partnership-focused approach would allow both countries to tackle common challenges.&nbsp;Krishnamoorthi also called for greater accountability for social media platforms that amplify hate.&nbsp;The US Congressman said the forthcoming midterm elections will deliver a clear advantage to Democrats in both the House and Senate.“It’s absolutely an edge for the Democratic [side], the House and the Senate in Congress,” he pointed. “I believe this will be a big rebuke to President Trump and his policies, and this election will then [provide] a check on his power, which I think the American people desperately want right now.”

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi accused some MAGA politicians of using anti-Indian hate as a political tool, calling it “a horrible sin, horrible political sin” that plays on people’s fears and their bigotry toward Indians.

New Delhi: US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi has said a jammed firearm averted a potential massacre at a Hindu temple near Chicago where he and his family were worshipping, calling the malfunction “divine intervention” amid what he described as surging anti-Indian hate. Speaking to WION’s Sidhant Sibal, days after authorities charged 19-year-old Alexandros Paporakis of Palatine, Illinois, in connection with an alleged plot targeting the Sri Venkateswara Swami (Balaji) Temple in Aurora on 11 October, Krishnamoorthi recounted the scene. “It was a beautiful fall day here in the Chicago area... countless families were celebrating inside the temple, including my own. Little did we know that a gunman was outside in the parking lot with his semi-automatic weapon and 300 rounds of ammunition intent on committing a massacre. He took one shot and his gun malfunctioned, jammed,” he said. “But if that had not happened, we would be having a much different conversation today.” Police said a vehicle registered to Paporakis entered the temple parking lot that afternoon. Prosecutors alleged he prepared an eight-page manifesto in which he expressed hatred for Indians, Jews, Black people and other minorities, describing them in dehumanising terms. He was arrested after a co-worker tip and faces charges including making a terrorist threat. No one was injured. Krishnamoorthi, who has long worshipped at the temple with his elderly parents, called the discovery “very shocking” and “horrifying”, noting the manifesto’s explicit targeting of Indians among other groups. The Illinois Democrat linked the incident to what he said was a sharp rise in anti-Indian rhetoric online and in politics over the past two years, directed even at figures such as Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley and Usha Vance. “I don’t care if you’re Republican or Democrat... we’ve got to condemn this hate,” he said. Krishnamoorthi accused some MAGA politicians of using “anti-Indian hate as a political tool”, calling it “a horrible sin, horrible political sin” that “plays on people’s fears and their bigotry toward Indians”. The Indian American congressman reacted sharply, when asked about US Vice-President JD Vance's recent comments, in which he referred to H-1B visa holders, predominantly Indian nationals, as “foreign indentured servants”. “JD Vance should know better,” he said. “JD Vance is married to an Indian American. He has children basically of Indian descent, and he needs to speak out and condemn this anti-Indian rhetoric... By participating in this type of rhetoric, he may think that is somehow enhancing his political viability, but quite frankly to me, he is hurting Indian Americans and endangering them, and I think it’s got to stop.” Vance has since then described his wording as imperfect and said his criticism targeted companies, visa system rather than workers, while emphasising he loves his Indian in-laws. On Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to India this week for talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar focused on energy, trade and the strategic partnership, Krishnamoorthi said it would only help if Rubio and the Trump administration “listen carefully to concerns and address” issues. “If it’s merely... a situation where he’s delivering a one-way message, and he’s not listening... it’s not fruitful,” he added. He argued that US foreign policy conducted in a way that “pushes our friends, partners and allies away” risks damaging the relationship, while a partnership-focused approach would allow both countries to tackle common challenges. Krishnamoorthi also called for greater accountability for social media platforms that amplify hate. The US Congressman said the forthcoming midterm elections will deliver a clear advantage to Democrats in both the House and Senate. “It’s absolutely an edge for the Democratic [side], the House and the Senate in Congress,” he pointed. “I believe this will be a big rebuke to President Trump and his policies, and this election will then [provide] a check on his power, which I think the American people desperately want right now.”

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi accused some MAGA politicians of using anti-Indian hate as a political tool, calling it “a horrible sin, horrible political sin” that plays on people’s fears and their bigotry toward Indians.

US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi describes foiled temple attack as ‘divine intervention’, criticises Vance and MAGA rhetoric

Indian-origin US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and his family were inside a temple in Illinois when an alleged foiled attack took place there on October 11. The Democrat fought back tears while recounting the incident at a news conference this past week, about the narrow escape from what could have been a massacre targeting Indian Americans, if the attacker's gun hadn't jammed. The Krishnamoorthis were at the Sri Venkateswara Balaji Temple in Aurora, Illinois.<h2>How the temple attack was foiled</h2>Alexandros Paporakis, a 19-year-old suspect from Palatine, was arrested after his co-workers alerted police about his alleged plans to carry out a mass shooting at the Hindu temple. Authorities later recovered a rifle, ammunition, tactical gear, and white supremacist propaganda material, including a manifesto, from his premises.<h2>Krishnamoorthi reveals he was at the targeted temple with his family</h2>Krishnamoorthi, addressing a news conference with fellow Democrats on October 16, revealed that he had been at the temple with his elderly parents to mark the beginning of Navaratri.“Little did we know that a 19-year-old shooter was in the parking lot with an AR-15-styled weapon, as well as 300 rounds of ammunition in his car, waiting to commit a massacre,” he said.Through his remarks, Krishnamoorti appeared to be fighting back tears."I don’t know how my family and others escaped…I don't know how the shooter's gun jammed", he said.&nbsp; "I don’t know how I happened to be there, but I believe that one purpose was so I could be here to speak out about hate,” he said.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/troubling-pattern-of-threats-hindu-groups-security-advisory-police-arrest-man-for-plot-targeting-hindu-temple-in-illinois-alexandros-paporakis-1792037053581">'Troubling pattern of threats': Hindu groups issue advisory after man arrested for alleged plot to target Illinois temple</a>&nbsp;Reports said the suspect’s gun jammed, preventing the planned attack, with investigators finding evidence that he intended to return.Earlier, in a statement issued on October 15, Krishnamoorthi said he was grateful to those who helped prevent a tragedy but warned that the threat could not be ignored.“My family and I were worshipping at our Hindu temple in Aurora on Sunday when a white supremacist attempted a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans,” he said in that statement, posted on his X account.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/racist-hostility-and-anti-india-hate-mea-demands-action-over-alleged-illinois-hindu-temple-attack-plot-1792060534204">‘Racist hostility and anti-India hate’: MEA demands action over alleged Illinois Hindu temple attack plot</a><h2>Raja Krishnamoorthi’s call against hate</h2>Krishnamoorthi urged Americans to confront the hatred and white supremacy behind the alleged plot.&nbsp;"I'm grateful to those who helped prevent a tragedy, but we must come together to confront the hatred that put so many innocent lives at risk. The threat of such violence shows how dangerous anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy have become, and we cannot wait until innocent people are killed to take these threats seriously,” he said in the X post.&nbsp;

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi fought back tears as he recalled how he and his family escaped an alleged mass shooting plot targeting Indian Americans at a Hindu temple in the US. He called for action against hate.

Indian-origin US Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and his family were inside a temple in Illinois when an alleged foiled attack took place there on October 11. The Democrat fought back tears while recounting the incident at a news conference this past week, about the narrow escape from what could have been a massacre targeting Indian Americans, if the attacker's gun hadn't jammed. The Krishnamoorthis were at the Sri Venkateswara Balaji Temple in Aurora, Illinois. How the temple attack was foiled Alexandros Paporakis, a 19-year-old suspect from Palatine, was arrested after his co-workers alerted police about his alleged plans to carry out a mass shooting at the Hindu temple. Authorities later recovered a rifle, ammunition, tactical gear, and white supremacist propaganda material, including a manifesto, from his premises. Krishnamoorthi reveals he was at the targeted temple with his family Krishnamoorthi, addressing a news conference with fellow Democrats on October 16, revealed that he had been at the temple with his elderly parents to mark the beginning of Navaratri. “Little did we know that a 19-year-old shooter was in the parking lot with an AR-15-styled weapon, as well as 300 rounds of ammunition in his car, waiting to commit a massacre,” he said. Through his remarks, Krishnamoorti appeared to be fighting back tears. "I don’t know how my family and others escaped…I don't know how the shooter's gun jammed", he said. "I don’t know how I happened to be there, but I believe that one purpose was so I could be here to speak out about hate,” he said. Also read: 'Troubling pattern of threats': Hindu groups issue advisory after man arrested for alleged plot to target Illinois temple Reports said the suspect’s gun jammed, preventing the planned attack, with investigators finding evidence that he intended to return. Earlier, in a statement issued on October 15, Krishnamoorthi said he was grateful to those who helped prevent a tragedy but warned that the threat could not be ignored. “My family and I were worshipping at our Hindu temple in Aurora on Sunday when a white supremacist attempted a mass shooting targeting Indian Americans,” he said in that statement, posted on his X account. Also read: ‘Racist hostility and anti-India hate’: MEA demands action over alleged Illinois Hindu temple attack plot Raja Krishnamoorthi’s call against hate Krishnamoorthi urged Americans to confront the hatred and white supremacy behind the alleged plot. "I'm grateful to those who helped prevent a tragedy, but we must come together to confront the hatred that put so many innocent lives at risk. The threat of such violence shows how dangerous anti-Indian hatred and white supremacy have become, and we cannot wait until innocent people are killed to take these threats seriously,” he said in the X post.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi fought back tears as he recalled how he and his family escaped an alleged mass shooting plot targeting Indian Americans at a Hindu temple in the US. He called for action against hate.

‘I don’t know how my family escaped': Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi chokes while revealing he was inside US temple during foiled attack

Six Indian Americans have won in the recent elections for the United States House of Representatives. As a result, the informal ‘Samosa Caucus’, a group of Indian-origin members in Congress, has now expanded to six representatives in the House.

Six Indian Americans have won in the recent elections for the United States House of Representatives. As a result, the informal ‘Samosa Caucus’, a group of Indian-origin members in Congress, has now expanded to six representatives in the House. Before this, the caucus comprised of five Indian American members: Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ro Khanna, Pramila Jayapal, Jeremy Cooney, and Shri Thanedar. Suhas Subramanyam Virginia State Senator Suhas Subramanyam won against Republican Mike Clancy. Subramanyam, who once served as a White House adviser under President Barack Obama, shared his gratitude, stating, "I am honoured and humbled that the people of Virginia's 10th District put their trust in me to take on the toughest fights and deliver results in Congress. This district is my home. I got married here, my wife Miranda and I are raising our daughters here, and the issues our community faces are personal to our family. It is an honour to continue serving this district in Washington." Also read: India's Modi joins world leaders to congratulate Trump on his win in US polls Shri Thanedar Congressman Shri Thanedar retained his seat in Michigan's 13th Congressional District, winning against Republican Martell Bivings with a lead of more than 35 percentage points. Thanedar, now serving his second term, attributed his success to his commitment to constituent services, advocacy for working families, and support for unions and reproductive rights. Ro Khanna Democratic Representative Ro Khanna retained his seat in California’s 17th Congressional District, overcoming Republican challenger Anita Chen. Khanna, first elected in 2016, represents a firmly Democratic district in Silicon Valley. Pramila Jayapal Democratic Representative Pramila Jayapal was re-elected to serve Washington's 7th Congressional District, marking her fifth term. Jayapal, originally elected in 2016, has represented this area, which includes Seattle and surrounding regions, for nearly a decade. A former state senator, she made history as the first South Asian American woman in the U.S. House and is currently the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Ami Bera Congressman Ami Bera won his election in California’s 6th Congressional District, which includes Sacramento County. Serving since 2013, Bera, a first-generation American and doctor, has prioritised affordable healthcare. He is the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific within the House Foreign Affairs Committee and serves on the House Intelligence Committee. Raja Krishnamoorthi Raja Krishnamoorthi was re-elected to represent Illinois’ 8th District for a fifth term. First elected in 2016, Krishnamoorthi is a senior Democratic member on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. A Harvard-trained lawyer, Krishnamoorthi has previously held state roles, including deputy state treasurer. Jeremy Cooney Democrat Jeremy Cooney won re-election in New York’s 56th State Senate District. The Associated Press confirmed his victory on Tuesday evening. Cooney, first elected in 2020, has chaired the Transportation Committee since 2024 and is a key member of the Monroe County Democratic Committee. (With inputs from agencies)

'Samosa Caucus' expands: Six Indian Americans elected to US House of Representatives

Indian-origin Raja Krishnamoorthi won the Democratic primary in Illinois by a strong margin. He has defeated his opponent Junaid Ahmed with over 71% of the votes. Know more about Raja Krishamoorthi.

Indian origin US Congressman wins Democratic primary from Illinois

WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay spoke to US Democratic Congressman Subramanian Raja Krishnamoorthi, who serves in the House Intelligence Committee and House Committee on Oversight and Reform. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi spoke on Donald Trump's COVID-19 handling in the United States.

Exclusive: Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi speaks on Trump's handling of COVID-19 pandemic

The US House Committee on Wednesday made to order an amendment which will further enhance defence cooperation with India.

"Reflecting the bi-partisan support in US Congress to strengthen the <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-us-trade-talks-to-be-held-on-july-12-in-new-delhi-234691&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwioyaqzz6zjAhVqILcAHYrhDfsQFjAFegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1ItLHL2SZ8dxhTfY6rcdJg">India-US</a> defence partnership, the House Rules Committee today made to order the bi-partisan Sherman amendment that seeks to promote bilateral defence cooperation by exploring additional steps to implement the major defence partner designation including through appropriate technology transfers," Capitol Hill source told ANI.

The amendment received the support from both Republican and Democrats members including Congressmen Brad Sherman, Joe Wilson, George Holding, Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi.&nbsp;

The Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committee also supported the amendment. The Sherman amendment is a part of the House's version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) FY 2020.&nbsp;

The bill is currently under passage on the House Floor. As an understanding has already been reached on the bill and the selected amendments, it is in the process of being passed by a simple voice vote.

Notably, more than 680 amendments were submitted, this was among the very few that talked of strengthening defence relations with another country that was made to order by the Rules Committee.

Another amendment pertaining to India that was made to order is by Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA) which is a reporting requirement for enhancing defence and security cooperation with India in the western Indian Ocean.&nbsp;

The US House Committee on Wednesday made to order an amendment which will further enhance defence cooperation with India. "Reflecting the bi-partisan support in US Congress to strengthen the India-US defence partnership, the House Rules Committee today made to order the bi-partisan Sherman amendment that seeks to promote bilateral defence cooperation by exploring additional steps to implement the major defence partner designation including through appropriate technology transfers," Capitol Hill source told ANI.

The US House Committee on Wednesday made to order an amendment which will further enhance defence cooperation with India. "Reflecting the bi-partisan support in US Congress to strengthen the India-US defence partnership, the House Rules Committee today made to order the bi-partisan Sherman amendment that seeks to promote bilateral defence cooperation by exploring additional steps to implement the major defence partner designation including through appropriate technology transfers," Capitol Hill source told ANI. The amendment received the support from both Republican and Democrats members including Congressmen Brad Sherman, Joe Wilson, George Holding, Ami Bera, Raja Krishnamoorthi. The Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committee also supported the amendment. The Sherman amendment is a part of the House's version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) FY 2020. The bill is currently under passage on the House Floor. As an understanding has already been reached on the bill and the selected amendments, it is in the process of being passed by a simple voice vote. Notably, more than 680 amendments were submitted, this was among the very few that talked of strengthening defence relations with another country that was made to order by the Rules Committee. Another amendment pertaining to India that was made to order is by Congressman Ami Bera (D-CA) which is a reporting requirement for enhancing defence and security cooperation with India in the western Indian Ocean.

United States House to vote for further enhancing India-US defence cooperation

A bipartisan group of eminent lawmakers led by Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Wednesday sought details of the sting operation carried out by the US Department of Homeland Security resulting in the detention of at least 129 students from India.

In multiple raids last month, federal authorities arrested 130 students, including 129 Indians, enrolled as students in an alleged fraudulent university in Metro Detroit area and working across the country.&nbsp;

In a letter, the lawmakers urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure students detained following the recent ICE sting in Michigan were treated properly and are afforded all rights provided to them under law, including access to an attorney and release on bond for those eligible.

Written by Congressmen Thomas Souzzi, Rob Woodall and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, in addition to Krishnamoorthi, the letter also asks DHS and ICE to share full details and regular updates regarding the Indian students with the Embassy and Consulates of India, and to facilitate consular access for the detainees.

The lawmakers expressed "concerns surrounding the recent undercover operation" conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, in which HSI special agents operated a fake university -- University of Farmington -- designed to target recruiters and foreign students believed to be engaged in immigration fraud.

According to ICE, the investigation began in 2015, and HSI agents have been operating the fake school since 2017. As per the indictment unsealed last week, eight individuals served as recruiters for the school, enrolling hundreds of foreign nationals as students at the university.&nbsp;

These eight recruiters have been indicted for conspiracy to commit visa fraud and harboring aliens for profit by the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

"The Indian-American community and Indian Consulate have expressed concerns regarding the treatment of these detained foreign nationals," the lawmakers said.

"We urge DHS and ICE to ensure the detained students are treated properly and afforded all rights provided to them under the law, including access to an attorney and release on bond, if they are eligible," the letter said.&nbsp;

"We further urge DHS and ICE to share full details and regular updates regarding the Indian students with the Embassy and Consulates of India, and to facilitate consular access for the detainees,? the lawmakers said in the letter.

Noting that India is an important strategic partner and friend to the US, the lawmakers said in 2017, Indian students comprised 17.3 per cent of all international students in the country, numbering over 186,000.&nbsp;

As such, these students are a vital pillar of the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and they come to the US on grounds of merit, they asserted.

"In the spirit of continuing cooperation on educational exchange programs, which benefit both countries economically and culturally, we ask that you ensure the students involved in this case are treated fairly, humanely, and in accordance with due process,? the Congressmen said.&nbsp;

A bipartisan group of eminent lawmakers led by Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Wednesday sought details of the sting operation carried out by the US Department of Homeland Security resulting in the detention of at least 129 students from India.

A bipartisan group of eminent lawmakers led by Indian American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi on Wednesday sought details of the sting operation carried out by the US Department of Homeland Security resulting in the detention of at least 129 students from India. In multiple raids last month, federal authorities arrested 130 students, including 129 Indians, enrolled as students in an alleged fraudulent university in Metro Detroit area and working across the country. In a letter, the lawmakers urge the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to ensure students detained following the recent ICE sting in Michigan were treated properly and are afforded all rights provided to them under law, including access to an attorney and release on bond for those eligible. Written by Congressmen Thomas Souzzi, Rob Woodall and Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, in addition to Krishnamoorthi, the letter also asks DHS and ICE to share full details and regular updates regarding the Indian students with the Embassy and Consulates of India, and to facilitate consular access for the detainees. The lawmakers expressed "concerns surrounding the recent undercover operation" conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, in which HSI special agents operated a fake university -- University of Farmington -- designed to target recruiters and foreign students believed to be engaged in immigration fraud. According to ICE, the investigation began in 2015, and HSI agents have been operating the fake school since 2017. As per the indictment unsealed last week, eight individuals served as recruiters for the school, enrolling hundreds of foreign nationals as students at the university. These eight recruiters have been indicted for conspiracy to commit visa fraud and harboring aliens for profit by the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. "The Indian-American community and Indian Consulate have expressed concerns regarding the treatment of these detained foreign nationals," the lawmakers said. "We urge DHS and ICE to ensure the detained students are treated properly and afforded all rights provided to them under the law, including access to an attorney and release on bond, if they are eligible," the letter said. "We further urge DHS and ICE to share full details and regular updates regarding the Indian students with the Embassy and Consulates of India, and to facilitate consular access for the detainees,? the lawmakers said in the letter. Noting that India is an important strategic partner and friend to the US, the lawmakers said in 2017, Indian students comprised 17.3 per cent of all international students in the country, numbering over 186,000. As such, these students are a vital pillar of the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and they come to the US on grounds of merit, they asserted. "In the spirit of continuing cooperation on educational exchange programs, which benefit both countries economically and culturally, we ask that you ensure the students involved in this case are treated fairly, humanely, and in accordance with due process,? the Congressmen said.

US lawmakers seek full details of sting operation of fake university 

Four members of the US congress have written to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Ronald Vitiello uring the the departments to treat <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-gets-consular-access-to-117-detained-students-in-us-after-calling-for-their-dignified-treatment-195438">the 129 Indian students detained in the US</a> "properly" and to afford "all rights provided" to them under the law, including "access to an attorney and release on bond, if they are eligible".&nbsp;

The four members of congress are Thomas R Suozzi, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Brenda Lawrence and Rob Woodall.&nbsp;

The 129 students were detained by US immigration authorities for allegedly exploiting the US student visa system.&nbsp;

The Department of Homeland Security had set up a fake university in Michigan to nab eight recruiters involved in the visa fraud when the 129 Indian students were nabbed too.&nbsp;

The letter, a copy of which WION has, also urged DHS and ICE "to share full details and regular updates regarding the Indian students with the embassy and consulates of India" and "facilitate consular access for the detainees".

Emphasising that "India is an important strategic partner and friend to the United states", the letter said "these students are a vital pillar of the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and they come to the US on grounds of merit" and "in the spirit of continuing cooperation on educational exchange programs which benefit both countries economically and culturally" and that they should be treated "fairly, humanely and in accordance with due process".&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs had issued a demarche to the US embassy in New Delhi over the detention of the 129 Indian students and has been urging the US side to give "humane and dignified treatment" to the students including custom-sensitive "dietary and living arrangements" for the duration of their detention. A 24/7 helpline has also been established at the Indian mission in Washington DC for the assistance of the students.&nbsp;

The US authorities meanwhile plan to deport the Indian students and have placed them under "removal proceedings".&nbsp;

Indian students comprised 17.3% — a total of 186,000 — of all international students in the US in 2017.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Four members of the US congress have written to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Ronald Vitiello uring the the departments to treat the 129 Indian students detained in the US "properly" and to afford "all rights provided" to them under the law, including "access to an attorney and release on bond, if they are eligible".

Four members of the US congress have written to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Ronald Vitiello uring the the departments to treat the 129 Indian students detained in the US "properly" and to afford "all rights provided" to them under the law, including "access to an attorney and release on bond, if they are eligible". The four members of congress are Thomas R Suozzi, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Brenda Lawrence and Rob Woodall. The 129 students were detained by US immigration authorities for allegedly exploiting the US student visa system. The Department of Homeland Security had set up a fake university in Michigan to nab eight recruiters involved in the visa fraud when the 129 Indian students were nabbed too. The letter, a copy of which WION has, also urged DHS and ICE "to share full details and regular updates regarding the Indian students with the embassy and consulates of India" and "facilitate consular access for the detainees". Emphasising that "India is an important strategic partner and friend to the United states", the letter said "these students are a vital pillar of the people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, and they come to the US on grounds of merit" and "in the spirit of continuing cooperation on educational exchange programs which benefit both countries economically and culturally" and that they should be treated "fairly, humanely and in accordance with due process". The Ministry of External Affairs had issued a demarche to the US embassy in New Delhi over the detention of the 129 Indian students and has been urging the US side to give "humane and dignified treatment" to the students including custom-sensitive "dietary and living arrangements" for the duration of their detention. A 24/7 helpline has also been established at the Indian mission in Washington DC for the assistance of the students. The US authorities meanwhile plan to deport the Indian students and have placed them under "removal proceedings". Indian students comprised 17.3% — a total of 186,000 — of all international students in the US in 2017.

Detained Indian students: US Congress members call for their humane treatment