Donkey Route mandeep Singh, a 38-year-old resident of Amritsar, Punjab, had always dreamt of a better life for his family. The United States, often seen as the land of endless opportunities, seemed like the ultimate destination to fulfill his aspirations. The growing unemployment crisis and financial struggles in Punjab had pushed him to seek alternatives beyond India’s borders.
When he heard of a way to reach the U.S. through unofficial means, he did not hesitate. The promise was simple: for a hefty fee, agents assured him a hassle-free journey to the U.S., where he could work legally and earn a decent livelihood. What he did not know was that this promise would soon turn into one of the most horrifying experiences of his life.
The ‘Donkey Route’: A Dangerous Path to America
The term ‘Donkey Route’ refers to a dangerous and illegal migration path used by many to enter the United States. It involves traveling through multiple countries, often on foot, by boat, or in overcrowded vehicles, under the guidance of human smugglers who charge exorbitant fees for their services. The journey is not just illegal but also extremely perilous, as migrants face life-threatening conditions, starvation, and violence.
Mandeep’s journey began in August 2024 when he met an agent in Punjab who claimed to have sent many people successfully to the U.S. For a staggering amount of ₹40 lakh (approximately $48,000), Mandeep was assured a smooth passage to his dreamland. With the help of loans and family contributions, he paid the fee and set out on his journey.
He was first flown from Delhi to Mumbai, then to Nairobi, Amsterdam, and finally to Suriname in South America. From there, his real ordeal began. Upon landing in Suriname, he was handed over to local sub-agents who demanded an additional ₹20 lakh to continue the journey. Desperate to move forward, his family somehow managed to send the money. But what followed was something he had never imagined.
A Journey Through Hell
Mandeep, along with several other migrants, was crammed into overcrowded vehicles and transported non-stop from Suriname to Guyana. The group barely had any food or water, and exhaustion started taking its toll. From Guyana, they moved to Bolivia, then to Ecuador. At every checkpoint, they were passed between different handlers, some of whom were brutal and showed no empathy.
As they reached Panama, the real horror unfolded. To enter Central America, they had to cross the deadly Darién Gap, a thick, lawless jungle filled with wild animals, armed robbers, and merciless terrain. For 13 days, Mandeep and his group waded through waist-deep waters, fought off venomous snakes, and lived in constant fear of being attacked by crocodiles.
The group often went without food for days. Some migrants fell ill and could not continue; their fate was unknown as the group was forced to leave them behind.
Moving forward, they reached Costa Rica, then Nicaragua, Honduras, and Guatemala. By the time they arrived in Mexico, Mandeep had lost over 15 kg (33 lbs), his feet were covered in blisters, and he had endured more suffering than he had ever imagined.
In Tijuana, just before crossing the U.S. border, he was given a harsh ultimatum: trim his beard and cut his hair to avoid drawing attention. As a devout Sikh, this was one of the most painful moments of his journey. But fearing for his life and desperate to reach the U.S., he complied.
The Arrest and Deportation
On January 27, 2025, after months of suffering, Mandeep and his group attempted to cross into the United States. However, their journey ended abruptly when U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended them near Tijuana. He was taken into custody, where he spent several days in detention.
U.S. authorities, cracking down on illegal immigration, processed the group swiftly. Mandeep was one of 112 Indians who were deported on a U.S. military aircraft, which landed in Amritsar in February 2025.
The moment he stepped back onto Indian soil, his dreams lay shattered. The pain of betrayal by the agents who had promised him a secure future, the humiliation of being deported, and the financial loss his family suffered weighed heavily on him. He had risked his life, only to return home empty-handed.
A Widespread Crisis
Mandeep’s case is not unique. Every year, thousands of Indians, especially from Punjab and Gujarat, attempt to enter the U.S. and Europe through illegal routes. The desperation for better economic opportunities, coupled with the lack of proper immigration pathways, forces many into the hands of human traffickers.
Many do not make it. Some die in the harsh jungles of Panama, while others are exploited, robbed, or left stranded in unfamiliar lands. In recent years, cases of human trafficking and illegal immigration from India have surged, leading to growing concerns among both Indian and international authorities.
Experts believe that stricter laws and awareness campaigns are needed to educate potential migrants about the risks involved. Families investing huge sums of money in these dangerous journeys often end up in debt when their loved ones are deported or worse, go missing.
The Need for Legal Pathways
Immigration experts stress that there are legal ways to move abroad, but the long and complicated visa processes often push people toward illegal routes. Countries like the U.S., Canada, and Australia have multiple skilled worker programs, but the high rejection rates and long waiting periods discourage applicants.
Governments must work toward making legal immigration more accessible while also taking strong actions against human trafficking networks that prey on vulnerable individuals.
For people like Mandeep, the lesson is a painful one. “If I had known what I was getting into, I would have never taken this route,” he says. His message to others considering the ‘donkey route’ is clear: “Don’t risk your life. It’s not worth it.”
Conclusion
The harrowing journey of Mandeep Singh serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of illegal immigration. While the dream of a better life is universal, the risks involved in these dangerous routes often outweigh the rewards. The need of the hour is awareness, stricter regulations, and support systems that ensure individuals do not fall prey to such perilous schemes.
As deportations continue and crackdowns on illegal immigration intensify, it is crucial for governments, communities, and individuals to work together to find safer, legal alternatives for those seeking better opportunities abroad. The ‘Donkey Route’ is not just a path to another country—it is often a road to suffering, loss, and shattered dreams.
For Mandeep and many others like him, the cost of chasing the American Dream turned out to be far greater than they had ever imagined.
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