Through 18 Hills and Death: A Migrant’s Painful Reality on the US Route

New Delhi : A US C-17 military aircraft carrying 104 illegal Indian immigrants landed in Amritsar on Wednesday, marking one of the largest deportations of Indian nationals from the United States. These individuals, hailing from various states, had undertaken perilous journeys through multiple countries, using the infamous ‘donkey route’ to enter the US in search of better opportunities.

Upon arrival, many of the deported migrants shared shocking details of their journey, describing the immense hardships they faced along the way. The ‘donkey route’—an illegal immigration pathway—typically involves dangerous crossings through forests, deserts, and rivers, often with the help of human traffickers who exploit migrants for exorbitant sums of money. Many of these individuals recounted how they crossed multiple international borders under extreme conditions, with little food or water, constantly fearing for their lives.

One of the migrants, who had attempted to reach the US via this route, narrated his harrowing experience of crossing 18 hills and witnessing dead bodies along the way. “We saw death up close. Many people couldn’t survive the harsh conditions, and we had no choice but to keep moving forward,” he said. Another deportee mentioned being held in makeshift camps for weeks, surviving on minimal food while waiting for the next leg of the journey.

According to officials, these migrants were detained by US authorities for illegal entry before being deported under strict immigration policies. Many had entered the US through countries like Mexico, Ecuador, and Guatemala, where human smugglers facilitated their passage at great financial and personal risk. Several deportees claimed they had spent their life savings or taken huge loans to fund their dangerous journey, only to be caught and sent back home.

The Indian government has been working closely with the US on immigration-related matters, ensuring the safe return of deported citizens. Authorities in Amritsar have initiated a verification process and will offer assistance to those in need. The rise in cases of illegal migration has prompted concerns, with officials urging people not to fall prey to human traffickers promising easy entry into foreign lands.

This mass deportation highlights the risks associated with illegal immigration and the urgent need for awareness campaigns to educate potential migrants about legal alternatives.