Gurpreet Singh’s dream of living in the US came to an end when he was deported in chains. He was handcuffed, his legs shackled, and a chain tied around his waist, and led onto the tarmac in Texas by US Border Patrol towards a waiting C-17 military transport aircraft. This is feared to be a sign of President Trump’s aggressive crackdown on illegal immigration. Singh’s experience and the crackdown on illegal migration has left smuggling networks in disarray while discouraging others from making the dangerous journey to America.
Forced Return from the US.
Gurpreet Singh, a 39-year-old migrant from India who was deported from the United States in chains, had traveled through multiple countries to enter the US illegally. On February 3rd, he was put on a military transport aircraft and sent back to India, making him one of the first people to be deported under President Donald Trump’s renewed focus on mass deportation.
Rising Number of Indian Migrants
Indians make up the third-largest group of undocumented immigrants in the US, with approximately 725,000 living there. Like Gurpreet, most Indians leave India because of the economic hardship. They use all their savings to pay smugglers who help them embark on dangerous, life-threatening journeys across continents illegally. However, the new administration’s strict policies have the US border nearly impenetrable, significantly reducing the rate of illegal crossing.
Denied Asylum and Immediate Deportation
Gurpreet had intended to plead for asylum as he considered his life at risk back in India. Unfortunately, a recent executive order prioritized deportations led to his deportation without an asylum hearing. Originally, migrants were privileged to present their cases and await decisions while living in the US.
Public Outrage Over Treatment
Images of deportees in chains sparked outrage in India, with opposition leaders condemning the treatment as inhumane. Protesters questioned the Indian government’s silence despite its close relationship with the Trump administration. Following these concerns, the Indian foreign ministry successfully lobbied to end the shackling of female deportees. However, other strict measures stood firm.
The Impact on Smuggling Networks
The tough immigration policies has sent shockwaves through human smuggling networks. Indian “agents” who facilitate illegal migration seem to have gone into hiding for fear of being discovered by the government. Migrants who had paid hefty amounts for this illegal trip now seem to be stuck as they are unable to cross the US border.
A Grueling Journey to the US.
Gurpreet’s journey began in August 2024 when he left India for South America. He spent months traveling through Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Central America, often on foot or by boat. Upon his arrival in Mexico, he waited patiently, for nearly a month, for the right moment to cross into the US near San Diego, California. Climbing a mountain near the border and going through razor wire, he believed he would make it in time just before restrictions took effect. However, just weeks after his arrival, he was detained and deported.
Looking Ahead – US Deportation Crackdown: Migrant Sent Back in Chains
Back in India, Gurpreet now struggles with rebuilding his life, burdened by debts from his failed journey. His experience serves as a warning to migrants who might consider illegal routes under the current US administration. While Trump’s crackdown has deterred many, economic pressures in countries like India may continue to push individuals toward risky migration attempts in search of a better future.
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