Deported migrant describes deadly US ‘donkey‘ route.
The deportees, who had attempted to enter the United States through unauthorized channels, were repatriated as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal migration. Many of them had taken the dangerous “donkey” route, crossing multiple borders under harsh conditions. Indian authorities received the deported individuals and began processing them for further legal procedures. Families of some deportees expressed relief, while others lamented the hardships they faced during their perilous journey to the U.S.
Deported Indian Migrants Share Harrowing Ordeal of ‘Donkey Route’ to the U.S.
Amritsar, India – A U.S. C-17 military aircraft carrying 104 deported Indian migrants landed in Amritsar on Wednesday, marking a tragic end to their arduous and dangerous journey in pursuit of a better life. These individuals, hailing from different states in India, had attempted to enter the U.S. illegally through the perilous “donkey route”—a network of unsafe and unregulated migration paths that take migrants across multiple countries, often at the risk of life and limb.
Many of the deported migrants, mostly from Punjab, Haryana, and Gujarat, shared gut-wrenching accounts of their experiences. They described the sheer physical toll, betrayals by travel agents, and the horrors they witnessed along the way, including dead bodies and abandoned travelers.
A Journey Filled with Hardships
One of the deported migrants, a young man from Punjab, recalled his terrifying experience of being smuggled through multiple countries before reaching the U.S.
“We took a 15-hour-long boat ride, then had to walk 40 to 45 kilometers on foot.”
The migrants spoke of crossing 17 to 18 treacherous hills, where a single misstep could be fatal. Many described how fellow travelers who got injured or sick were left behind to die.
“We saw dead bodies along the way. If someone got injured, there was no chance of survival. Nobody could help because stopping meant risking your own life,” he added.
The physical and emotional trauma endured by these migrants was evident in their words. They had left India in search of economic opportunities, only to face nightmarish conditions.
Exploitation by Travel Agents
Many of the deported migrants blamed fraudulent travel agents for misleading them into believing they could reach the U.S. legally.
Jaspal Singh, another deported individual, said he was duped by a travel agent who had promised him safe and legal passage to the U.S.
legally, but I was tricked,”** Singh claimed. “They abandoned us after taking our money. We were forced to take dangerous routes, risking our lives.”
Such fraudulent practices have become a major issue, with unscrupulous agents taking advantage of desperate migrants seeking to escape poverty. Many of these agents operate illegally, charging exorbitant sums while providing false promises of legitimate U.S. visas.
The Perilous ‘Donkey Route’
The “donkey route” refers to the illegal migration pathway that often involves traveling through several countries, including Latin American nations, before attempting to cross the U.S. border.
Most migrants start their journey in Italy, Portugal, or other European countries, where they are taken to Ecuador or other visa-friendly Latin American nations. From there, they embark on a treacherous journey through multiple borders, often relying on human smugglers known as “coyotes.”
The route involves braving jungles, crossing rivers, and enduring extreme weather conditions while avoiding law enforcement agencies. Along the way, many migrants face violence, theft, and exploitation.
One of the deportees recalled how even their basic necessities were stolen.
“We had nothing left. We had to survive in the same clothes for weeks.”
Deportation and Aftermath
Of the 104 deported migrants, 33 were from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh. They were received by Indian authorities upon arrival in Amritsar, where they will now undergo further legal procedures.
Families of the deported migrants expressed a mix of relief and sorrow. While they were thankful that their loved ones had returned safely, many were devastated by the financial losses and emotional trauma.
A relative of one of the deportees from Gujarat said, “We sold land and took loans to fund his journey. Now, we have nothing left, and he is back to square one.”
The deported individuals now face an uncertain future. Many have lost their savings to fraudulent agents, and others fear the social stigma associated with failed migration attempts.
Government’s Response and Crackdown on Illegal Migration
The Indian government has been taking strict measures to crack down on human trafficking networks and illegal migration. Authorities have launched investigations into travel agents involved in these scams, with several arrests already made.
The Punjab Police and other law enforcement agencies have been working to identify and take action against those responsible for exploiting desperate individuals.
Meanwhile, the U.S. government has ramped up deportations of illegal migrants, including those from India, as part of its broader immigration enforcement strategy. The recent deportation of 104 Indian nationals is part of these efforts to curb unauthorized migration.
Lessons and Warnings for Aspiring Migrants
Experts and officials are urging potential migrants to avoid falling prey to human smugglers and fraudulent agents. They emphasize that taking illegal routes not only puts lives at risk but also results in deportation, financial ruin, and legal consequences.
A senior official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated, “We strongly advise individuals to pursue legal avenues for migration. Taking illegal routes is not only dangerous but also leads to permanent bans on entering certain countries.”
Conclusion
The harrowing stories of these deported migrants serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of illegal immigration. While many had dreamed of a better life in the U.S., their journey turned into a nightmare of exploitation, physical suffering, and financial ruin.
As more countries tighten their immigration policies, migrants must exercise extreme caution and seek legal, safe, and authorized pathways if they wish to travel abroad. The tragic experiences of these individuals underscore the importance of cracking down on human smuggling networks and raising awareness about the risks of irregular migration.