Hoping for a brighter future and better financial prospects, two young men from Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, set out on an arduous journey to America. They invested lakhs of rupees in their dream, unaware that they were embarking on a perilous “donkey route”—an illegal immigration pathway filled with dangers. Their aspirations were soon shattered as they were apprehended upon entering the U.S., subjected to months of mental and physical torment before finally being deported.
A Costly Decision to Pursue a Better Life
Rakshit Baliyan, son of Sudhir, and Devendra, son of Gulveer Singh, were among 104 Indians who attempted to enter America through illegal means. After months of suffering, they were deported on February 4, 2025. Both young men credit the Modi government for their safe return, stating that the horrifying experiences they endured in detention made them fear they might never see home again.
Journey Begins: A Risky Gamble
Devendra, a resident of Badoli village in Muzaffarnagar’s Purkaji police station area, shared his harrowing experience upon returning home. Aged 38, he is a husband and father of two, with a farmer father battling cancer. Hoping to secure a job as a driver in Mexico, he was lured by the promise of high earnings. With great difficulty, his family arranged Rs 40 lakh, which he handed over to an agent to facilitate his travel to America.
His journey began on November 29, 2024, when he left his village. The agent first sent him to Thailand, where he stayed in a hotel with other hopeful migrants. Everyone in the group believed that America offered great financial opportunities, reinforcing their decision to proceed. From Thailand, they were moved to Mexico, but their journey came to a devastating halt when they were caught at the border.
Harsh Reality: Torture in American Detention
Once in U.S. custody, Devendra and Rakshit were subjected to inhumane treatment. The conditions in detention were brutal, especially after the Trump administration took office, making immigration policies even stricter.
“They locked us in freezing rooms and ran air conditioners at full blast, despite the cold weather. Instead of warm blankets, we were given only plastic sheets. The food provided was nearly inedible—uncooked rice often mixed with meat, with no vegetarian options,” Devendra recounted.
For nearly 20 days, they remained in a detention camp, surviving on meager rations and enduring extreme discomfort. “We were barely given food. They forced us to drink cold water and never provided basic necessities. It was not just Indians who suffered—Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, and immigrants from other countries were also subjected to the same harsh treatment.”
A Glimmer of Hope: India’s Intervention
After two and a half months of suffering, the Indian government stepped in to facilitate their return. The deported migrants were provided with food, water, and necessary arrangements for their journey back home.
“We are grateful to the Indian government for bringing us back safely. Had they not intervened, we might still be trapped in those horrific conditions,” Devendra expressed with relief.
Their experience serves as a stark warning about the perils of illegal immigration. It highlights the importance of seeking legitimate pathways for work and residence abroad, rather than risking one’s life and finances in the pursuit of an uncertain future.