UP govt orders crackdown on illegal immigrants; Yogi Adityanath directs detention centres in all districts

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday, November 22, ordered a statewide crackdown on illegal immigrants and directed district administrations to establish temporary detention centres in every district. The move, issued through a formal instruction to all district magistrates, aims to strengthen enforcement measures and streamline the process of identifying, detaining, and deporting illegal entrants.

What did the UP CM order?

The Chief Minister said illegal immigrants held at these detention centres would be deported to their countries of origin following the established procedures. The government said the directive is intended to reinforce national security, protect local communities, and maintain law and order amid rising concerns over unauthorised entry into the state.

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Action comes amid electoral roll revision

The crackdown coincides with the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across Uttar Pradesh and 11 other states and Union Territories. The updating exercise, currently in its second phase, is designed to ensure accuracy in voter lists and prevent the inclusion of ineligible individuals.

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah urged citizens to support the SIR process, calling it crucial for safeguarding the country and its democratic framework. Addressing BSF personnel in Gujarat, Shah said the government remained committed to removing “every single infiltrator” from the electoral rolls.

Nationwide revision underway

As per the Election Commission’s schedule, printing and training took place from October 28 to November 3, followed by the enumeration phase between November 4 and December 4. Draft rolls will be published on December 9, with claims and objections accepted until January 8, 2026. Final electoral rolls will be released on February 7, 2026.

Opposition objects to SIR process

Opposition parties have criticised the SIR exercise, alleging that it may lead to voter exclusions from marginalised communities. The government has rejected these concerns, insisting that the revision is a routine, legally mandated process to maintain electoral integrity.

The UP government said the new enforcement steps complement efforts to ensure transparency in the electoral system while addressing broader security challenges posed by illegal immigration.