Punjab youth’s video shows dangers of illegal ‘donkey’ route migration to US
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Chandigarh: A video of a Punjab youth allegedly describing an assault after travelling to Mexico through the illegal “donkey” route in an attempt to reach the United States has gone viral on social media, drawing attention to the dangers associated with illegal migration.
In the 33-second video, reportedly uploaded on August 13 with a caption referring to the alleged mistreatment of an Indian Sikh in Mexico, the visibly distressed youth is seen appealing to others not to use the illegal route. His identity and exact location have not been independently disclosed, The New Indian Express reported.
The youth claimed that he had reached Mexico through the “donkey” route and was attacked while trying to escape. He alleged that he was severely beaten and had subsequently been left unable to walk properly. He also warned prospective migrants against trusting agents who promise safe passage to foreign countries through illegal channels.
Similar accounts have previously emerged from other Indian migrants. In December last year, Yogesh, a resident of Umri village in Haryana’s Kurukshetra district, shared a series of videos in which he documented his alleged journey and described exploitation and torture by human traffickers.
Yogesh claimed that he had paid around Rs 50 lakh to agents who promised to help him enter the United States. Despite the payment, he alleged that he was cheated, threatened and physically abused during the journey. His videos purportedly showed migrants walking through difficult terrain with injured feet, sleeping by roadsides and being transported in cramped containers.
The so-called “donkey” route generally involves an illegal migration journey through several countries, with agents reportedly charging between Rs 30 lakh and Rs 40 lakh in exchange for arranging travel towards the United States. Migrants are often flown to countries in Latin America, including Bolivia or Brazil, before continuing north through a combination of road, boat and foot journeys.
One of the most hazardous sections is the Darién Gap, the dense and roadless jungle separating Colombia and Panama. Migrants attempting to cross the region face difficult terrain, illness and other risks, while often relying on smugglers and criminal networks operating along the route.
Those who complete this stage generally continue through Central America towards Mexico before attempting to reach the US border. Some migrants are reportedly advised by agents to surrender to US border authorities and seek asylum.