Handcuffed and Shackled: Deported from the US to Amritsar, Illegal Immigrant Shares His Ordeal

Hoshiarpur’s Daljit Singh Reveals Harrowing Journey via Donkey Route to the US

Deported Migrants Claim Handcuffs and Shackles During Return

In a shocking revelation, Daljit Singh from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, shared his ordeal of being taken to the US via the dangerous and illegal "Donkey Route." This route, often used by migrants attempting to enter the US illegally, is considered one of the most perilous journeys. Singh was among the 120 Indian migrants deported from the US, who arrived in Amritsar on a military aircraft late Saturday night.

The second batch of deported migrants, which included 65 from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, and others from Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, and Maharashtra, claimed they were handcuffed and shackled throughout the journey. This comes just a week after the first batch of deportees made similar complaints, sparking nationwide outrage and even prompting Foreign Minister S Jaishankar to address the issue in Parliament.

Punjab Leads with 65 Deportees as Illegal Immigrant

Daljit Singh, a resident of Hoshiarpur, was part of the group that landed in Amritsar aboard a US military C-17 aircraft. The flight, delayed by 90 minutes, touched down at 11:35 PM on Saturday. Most of the deportees were aged between 18 and 30, highlighting the youth-driven desperation to migrate abroad.

Speaking to reporters in Hoshiarpur, Singh revealed that he was lured into the Donkey Route by a travel agent who promised a flight to the US. Instead, he was forced to undertake the treacherous journey. His wife accused the travel agency of deceiving them, claiming they were promised a legal flight but were instead sent via the illegal route.

Donkey Route: A Dangerous Path to the American Dream

The Donkey Route, an illegal and hazardous pathway used by migrants to enter the US, involves crossing multiple countries. Singh’s journey is a stark reminder of the risks migrants take in pursuit of the "American Dream." Meanwhile, a third flight carrying 157 deportees is expected to land in Amritsar on Sunday, though the exact arrival time remains unclear.

Earlier, on February 5, the first batch of 104 deportees, including 13 children, arrived in Amritsar. This marked the first time Indian illegal migrants were repatriated on such a large scale, following former US President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration. However, the deportees claimed they were only freed from their handcuffs and shackles upon landing in Amritsar.

Outrage Over Handcuffing of Deportees

The treatment of the deportees has sparked widespread anger across India. Jaspal Singh, a deportee from Gurdaspur, shared his harrowing experience, stating, "We thought we were being taken to another camp. Only later did a police officer inform us that we were being sent back to India. We were handcuffed and shackled throughout the journey, and only freed at Amritsar airport."

A video shared by the US Border Patrol Chief, Michael W Banks, on February 6, showed Indian migrants being escorted onto the C-17 aircraft in handcuffs and shackles, further fueling the outrage. Opposition parties disrupted Parliament proceedings, demanding a discussion on the issue.

Government Assures Action

In response to the uproar, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar clarified that the use of handcuffs was part of the US’s standard operating procedure (SOP). He assured Parliament that the Indian government is in talks with US authorities to ensure no such mistreatment occurs in the future.

The controversy has reignited debates over the treatment of Indian migrants abroad and the risks they take in pursuit of better opportunities. As more deportees return, the focus remains on ensuring their safe and dignified repatriation.