Indian Nationals Deported from U.S. Arrive in Amritsar, Share Painful Journeys

Amritsar: A U.S. military aircraft carrying 104 Indian nationals deported from the United States landed in Amritsar on Wednesday. The individuals, hailing from various states across India, recounted distressing experiences of their journey, including being shackled throughout the flight until their arrival at the airport.

Among the deportees, 33 were from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, 30 from Punjab, three each from Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and two from Chandigarh. The group comprised 19 women and 13 minors, including children as young as four, five, and seven years old.

Accounts of the Deportees

Jaspal Singh, a 36-year-old resident of Gurdaspur, Punjab, recounted his ordeal, stating that he was apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol on January 24. “Our hands were handcuffed, and our legs were chained for the entire journey. These restraints were only removed upon landing at Amritsar airport,” he claimed.

Several deportees from Punjab were escorted to their respective hometowns by police vehicles upon arrival. Harwinder Singh, another deportee from Tahli village in Hoshiarpur, shared his perilous journey through multiple countries, including Qatar, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua, and Mexico, before reaching the United States.

Perilous Journey to the U.S.

Harwinder Singh detailed the extreme challenges faced during his migration attempt. “We crossed treacherous hills and nearly capsized while navigating the sea in a boat. Along the way, I witnessed a person perish in the dense Panama jungle and another drown at sea,” he revealed. Singh had been assured a European route by his travel agent but was ultimately routed through Latin America instead. He claimed to have spent approximately ₹42 lakh on the journey.

Another deportee from Punjab elaborated on the hardships encountered on the ‘donkey route’—a term used to describe illegal migration pathways. He described arduous travel conditions, including a 15-hour boat ride and a grueling 40-45 km trek. “We crossed 17 to 18 hills, where a single misstep meant certain death. Injured travelers were often abandoned, and we saw numerous bodies along the way,” he said.

Additionally, he reported that their belongings, including clothing worth ₹30,000-₹35,000, were stolen during the passage.

U.S. Crackdown on Illegal Immigration

This deportation marks the first batch of Indian nationals sent back as part of the U.S. administration’s intensified crackdown on illegal immigration. The repatriation underscores the severe risks associated with unauthorized migration and the financial and emotional toll it exacts on individuals and their families.

Authorities continue to urge individuals to pursue legal immigration channels to ensure their safety and well-being. Meanwhile, Indian officials are coordinating with the deportees to facilitate their reintegration into their respective communities.