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These numbers might look like a surge given the Trump administration’s stated aim of curbing illegal immigration, with the recent emphasis on a “zero tolerance” policy. But there has been a steady flow of people from certain parts of India for many years, some of whom seek asylum alleging persecution at home.

The new group of Indian detainees came to light on Thursday, a day after President Donald Trump ordered an end to his administration’s controversial practice of separating children from families illegally crossing over as part of the zero tolerance crackdown on illegal migrants.

The policy change will not impact those from India, as most of them came here alone and were without their families when apprehended, unlike migrants from other countries.

Groups such as the American Civil Rights Union and Innovation Law Lab are pressing authorities to give them legal access to the detainees, but have not had much success. Innovation Law Lab has established a field office to help the detainees.

Community-based organisations such as Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO) are also helping find volunteers to act as interpreters for detainees from South Asia, including those from Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. This will ensure the detainees get help immediately when the “floodgates are opened” and lawyers are given access to them, said Jai Singh of APANO.