The United States has deported 104 Indian nationals who had entered the country illegally, sending them back to India aboard a military aircraft. The deportation comes as part of the US government’s crackdown on illegal immigration. The aircraft landed at Amritsar airport on February 5 at 1:55 PM. Many of these deportees had been detained at the US border before being sent back, highlighting the dangers of illegal migration.
Deported Migrants Share Their Ordeal
Many deportees spoke of their fear and traumatic experiences of being cheated by travel agents and subjected to misery on the way. A news agency ANI spoke with an Indian migrant, who had previously entered the US illegally, and about his experience.
“I faced a lot of difficulties on the way. I was promised legal entry, but I was deceived and taken through the ‘donkey route.’. It took me eight months to reach the US border. I was detained for 20 days before being expelled, he declared.
He went on to say that all of them, with the exception of children, was chained afore being taken into the air on a flight to India. “Now that we are back, we will work here. The local Member of Legislative Assembly has promised that the government will support us. We are requesting also the support of the authorities to recover all the money that we lost to those that misled us, “he further stated.
Families Speak Out Against Fraudulent Agents
In its families the bereaved have outpouring their anger and frustration towards the agents that deceived their dear ones. The father of one deportee, who ran a shop in Ambala, told that his son was lured that he was to be sent to the US legally.
Due to my son’s former business, this place was abandoned but persuaded by a travel agent who promised to take my son to the U.S. in one month. Instead, the process took eight to nine months, and the agent took ₹40-45 lakh from us,” the father said.
In his opinion, his son crossed the US border on January 19, but was caught on the spot. “He was detained for 5-7 days before being deported. He even sold off all that he possessed so as to be able to put the funds toward this trip. I paid him even from my pension money.”[he explained].
Accusing the agent of hiding the reality of the ‘donkey route’—a dangerous and illegal path used to enter the US—the father added, “We were told he wouldn’t have to walk even for two minutes. But he suffered greatly. We demand strong sanctions against people who deceive and destroy people’s lives.
The ‘Donkey Route’ – A Dangerous Journey
Donkey route” is a slang term referring to a migratory route involving several nations and dangerous ecosystems. Many Indian migrants attempt this route in the hope of reaching the US for a better future. However, the journey is often filled with extreme hardships, including long treks through jungles and deserts, unsafe conditions, and the constant threat of detention or deportation.
The recently closed repatriation of 104 Indians highlights the US government’s growing attempts to limit mass illegal immigration. There is now pressure on authorities on both sides to also take action against trafficking networks that victimise impoverished migrants.
Government Response and Future Actions
As the number of Indians who have been defrauded by fraudsters increases, politicians and local authorities are demanding strong measures against human trafficking. The local MLA of Punjab has guaranteed support for repatriated persons and their families.
“We will take steps to ensure these people receive help. At the same time, we must crack down on these agents who take advantage of vulnerable people,” the MLA stated.
Experts have stressed the persistence of illegal immigration as a prime concern, while many young Indians become victims by means of deceptive marketing from criminal agents. Legal researchers suggest that when the goal is migration, one must only do as such via legal/legitimate and official channels in order to prevent the kind of nightmarish situations above.
With families still hoping for justice, there is a pressing need for the Indian government to push for stronger action against human trafficking and illegal migration.
