Gurpreet Singh, a 39-year-old Indian migrant, was forcibly deported from the United States after a perilous journey that spanned multiple continents. On February 3, 2025, he was shackled in chains and led onto a military transport aircraft by US Border Patrol officers in Texas. Gurpreet’s deportation marked a harsh reality for thousands of Indians who have crossed the US southern border in search of a better life. His story highlights both the desperation behind illegal immigration and the consequences of stricter US immigration policies under former President Donald Trump’s administration.
A Dangerous Journey to the US
Gurpreet’s dream of living in the United States ended abruptly after months of hardship and uncertainty. Originally from India, Gurpreet was one of many migrants who risked everything—selling property and borrowing money—to pay people smugglers who facilitated his illegal border crossing. His journey began in August 2024 when he flew from India to Guyana, where his smuggling journey into the US began.
From Guyana, he traveled by bus, boat, and car, passing through Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. The trek was fraught with danger, including a harrowing journey through the Darién Gap—a dense rainforest between Colombia and Panama. The trek took five days, during which Gurpreet and other migrants faced extreme weather conditions, treacherous terrain, and constant threats from criminal gangs.
Despite the risks, Gurpreet was determined. “I was not scared,” he said, drawing strength from his background as a sportsman. However, he acknowledged the difficult conditions, including constant rain, swollen rivers, and exhaustion.
After months of travel, Gurpreet finally reached the US-Mexico border. He managed to avoid the heavily guarded walls by crossing a nearby mountain and cutting through razor wire, believing he had arrived just in time before the border policies became even stricter under Trump.
Deportation and Harsh Conditions
Upon crossing into the United States, Gurpreet surrendered to US Border Patrol agents in San Diego. He expected to be processed and potentially granted asylum. However, in a stark contrast to the procedure under the Biden administration, where migrants are typically interviewed by immigration officers, Gurpreet was detained, and his claim was never reviewed. He was deported less than three weeks later, without being given the opportunity for a proper hearing.
Gurpreet described the inhumane conditions during his deportation. He and other detainees were shackled with handcuffs, leg irons, and a waist chain for over 40 hours. “Even women were bound the same way,” he said. “We weren’t allowed to stand up, and if we needed to use the toilet, we were escorted by US officers with just one cuff removed.” These degrading images of deported migrants, shared by US Border Patrol in a video, sparked outrage back in India, prompting political leaders to demand answers.
Political Reactions and International Backlash
The deportation drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders in India. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a prominent opposition figure, questioned the silence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, asking why the Indian government did not intervene. “If Modi and Trump are such good friends, why did Modi allow this?” she remarked.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the government raised concerns with the US regarding the inhumane treatment of deported migrants. In response, the US reportedly revised their procedures, ensuring that women deportees were not shackled during subsequent flights. However, Gurpreet believes that the Indian government should have done more to protect its citizens.
The Impact of Trump’s Rhetoric on Migration
Gurpreet’s deportation is a symbol of the tougher stance on illegal immigration under the Trump administration. His case highlights how Trump’s rhetoric and policies, including the mass deportation of undocumented migrants, are having a chilling effect on future migration attempts. Gurpreet, now back in India, says that his experience will discourage others from trying to enter the US illegally. “No one will try going to the US now through this illegal ‘donkey’ route while Trump is in power,” he stated.
The fear of deportation has caused many human traffickers, locally known as “agents,” to go into hiding. Migrants who once relied on these smugglers are now left with fewer options to attempt the dangerous journey to the US.
Economic Struggles Behind the Migration Crisis
Gurpreet’s decision to leave India was driven by the country’s economic difficulties. Despite India’s official unemployment rate of 3.2%, many workers struggle with low-paying, irregular jobs. Gurpreet, who had previously run a trucking company, saw his business collapse when India demonetized 86% of its currency in 2016, and the COVID-19 lockdowns further crippled his logistics venture.
“I would never have thought of leaving India if I had a stable job,” Gurpreet said, expressing frustration with the lack of economic opportunities. “I would have been happy to earn 30,000 rupees a month to support my family.”
The Road Ahead
Now back in India, Gurpreet is focused on rebuilding his life. However, the debts incurred during his migration journey weigh heavily on him. He is trying to find work to support his wife, mother, and young child. “The reality on the ground is harsh. There are no opportunities here for us to work or run a business,” he said, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by many in India’s struggling economy.
For now, Gurpreet’s story remains a cautionary tale about the perils of illegal immigration and the personal cost of pursuing the American dream.
The deportation of Gurpreet Singh is a stark reminder of the risks that migrants face in their pursuit of a better life. While US immigration policies under President Trump have succeeded in deterring some illegal border crossings, the human toll of these policies cannot be ignored. As India grapples with economic instability, the desperation to escape poverty continues to drive illegal migration, even in the face of harsh and often dehumanizing conditions.
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