India, June 11 -- An Indian national, whose detention at Newark airport in New Jersey was captured in a viral video, had illegally entered the United States (US) without a valid visa, people familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.

A non-resident Indian filmed the detention of the Indian youth at Newark airport and posted the video on social media on June 8. The video triggered a reaction in India as it showed the youth being wrestled to the ground and handcuffed by American security personnel.

The people cited above said on condition of anonymity that the individual shown being detained at Newark airport in the social media post had illegally entered the US without a valid visa. "Our consulate in New York ascertained that the indivi...