Ambala (Haryana) [India], February 7 (HBTV): A heartbreaking story of deception has emerged from Ambala, Haryana, where a father has recounted his son's ill-fated attempt to migrate to the US.

The son, who owned a shop in Ambala, was allegedly misled by an agent who promised a quick and hassle-free passage to the US. The agent reportedly took INR 40–45 lakh from the family, assuring them that the son would reach the US within a month.

However, these assurances proved false. The son was taken through the notorious ‘donkey route,’ a dangerous and illegal border crossing, where he was forced to walk for hours. He was eventually caught by US authorities on January 19 and deported back to India.

Speaking to ANI, the father urged the government to take strict action against those facilitating illegal migration and deceiving people out of their hard-earned money. He also stated that he would file a complaint against the agent.

‘My son had his shop here, but he was lured by an agent. The agent told him he would reach the US quickly. My son was adamant about going, and the agent misled him, claiming he would reach within a month. Instead, the agent wasted 8–9 months and took a lot of money—INR 40–45 lakh,’ said the father.

‘He crossed the US border on January 19 but was immediately caught. They kept him in custody for 5–7 days before deporting him. It took him six months to get there. The agent never informed us initially that he would be sent through the ‘donkey route.’ He assured us my son wouldn't have to walk even for two minutes. My son sold his shop and everything else, and I even gave him money from my pension. I hope strict action is taken against those deceiving people like this. We will file a complaint against the agent,’ he added.

This development comes after a US military C-17 Globemaster aircraft landed in Punjab’s Amritsar on February 5, carrying 104 Indian nationals.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated on Thursday that all nations are obligated to take back their nationals if they are found residing illegally. He also emphasized that the Indian government is engaging with US authorities to ensure that deportees are not mistreated.

In a statement to the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said that deportations by the US are handled by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), following a standard procedure in place since 2012. He clarified that the procedure has remained unchanged for the recent deportation flight on February 5.

‘Deportations by the US are organized and executed by ICE authorities. The standard operating procedure for deportation flights has been effective since 2012 and allows for the use of restraints. However, ICE has informed us that women and children are not restrained. Further, deportees’ needs, including food, medical emergencies, and other necessities, are attended to. During toilet breaks, restraints are temporarily removed if needed,’ he stated.

(ANI)