Mandeep Singh, a 38-year-old from Punjab, India, recently shared his traumatic experience of attempting to enter the United States through the illegal ‘donkey route.’ This perilous journey involved traversing multiple countries and facing numerous life-threatening challenges, ultimately leading to his arrest and deportation.
Punjab Man : Initiation of the Journey
In August 2024, Mandeep embarked on his journey with the promise of legal entry into the U.S. within a month. He paid an agent ₹40 lakh in two installments, beginning his trip from Amritsar to Delhi. However, the journey took unexpected turns, routing him through Mumbai, Nairobi, Amsterdam, and eventually to Suriname. Upon arrival, sub-agents demanded an additional ₹20 lakh, which his family managed to pay.
Perils Faced En Route
The journey progressed through Guyana, Bolivia, and Ecuador, leading to a treacherous 13-day trek across the Panama jungles. During this passage, Mandeep and his group encountered dangerous wildlife, including crocodiles and snakes. They subsisted on minimal food, often half-baked rotis and occasional noodles. Throughout the ordeal, they were warned against asking questions, under threat of being shot.
Detention and Deportation
After navigating through several Central American countries, the group reached Tijuana, Mexico. Here, Mandeep’s beard was forcibly trimmed, a significant violation of his Sikh faith. He was arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol on January 27, 2025, while attempting to cross into the United States. Subsequently, he was detained and later deported, arriving back in India as part of a group of 116 illegal immigrants.
Mandeep’s experience underscores the extreme risks and exploitation associated with illegal immigration routes, often referred to as ‘donkey flights.’ These journeys not only endanger lives but also lead to significant financial and emotional distress for the individuals and their families.
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