CHANDIGARH: As many as 13 videos shared by a youth from Kurukshetra in Haryana have brought to light the brutal reality of the illegal ‘Donkey route’ used to enter the US. The young man, who was later deported, documented the journey showing migrants trekking through dense forests with blistered feet, insects crawling over their bodies and groups spending nights on bare ground along highways.
Some clips show 40–50 people crammed inside containers for hours, struggling to breathe. In other visuals, migrants are seen crossing raging rivers in small boats, with women and children also among them. Though the youths are seen motivating each other, exhaustion, dark circles and fear are clearly visible on their faces. The journey, he said, lasted 168 days.
The youth claimed he paid Rs 50 lakh to agents for the trip. After his deportation, police registered a case against the agent, following which he narrated details of the route and the alleged cheating involved.
Rs 50 lakh deal, Rs 15 lakh advance
Yogesh, a resident of Umri village, said that in July 2024, agents Ankit Chaudhary, Vikas and Guri from Karnal claimed to be government-linked facilitators. They promised to send him to the US for Rs 50 lakh with assurances of a job, tickets and insurance. An advance of Rs 15 lakh was taken, with the remaining amount to be paid after reaching the US.
Detained in Brazil, more money demanded
According to Yogesh, the agents informed him on July 22, 2024, that his ticket was ready. He flew from Delhi on July 26 and landed in Brazil, where he was detained by local authorities. The family contacted the agents, who allegedly demanded another Rs 15 lakh to secure his release.
Through jungles of South America
He said he was kept in Brazil for about a month and a half on assurances of a direct flight to the US. Instead, the agents allegedly routed him through dangerous jungle paths, sending him by road through Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia before attempting entry into the US. He was eventually caught and deported.
Police said further investigation is underway to identify the full network involved in the illegal migration racket.
