Journey cut short: Karnal's Akash paid Rs 72 lakh to cross Panama and Mexico to enter US, but got deported
PTC Web Desk: A day after being deported from the United States, 20-year-old Akash’s family in Haryana has shared details of his harrowing journey, during which he spent Rs 72 lakh attempting to reach the US through a dangerous route via Panama and Mexico.
In a video released by his family, Akash, a native of Karnal, is seen camping in Panama’s dense forests alongside other illegal immigrants. The footage also captures women and children wading through treacherous waters, reflecting the extreme hardships faced by migrants.
Akash left India 10 months ago and crossed into the US by scaling the Mexico border wall on January 26. There are two primary illegal entry routes into the US: one through Mexico and the other, referred to as the "Dunki route." The latter involves crossing multiple countries, navigating dangerous jungles, rough seas, and relying on various forms of transport, including flights, container trucks, boats, and buses.
According to his family, Akash was promised a direct route through Mexico but was instead sent on the riskier, longer path. He was among the 104 undocumented Indian migrants who arrived in Amritsar on February 5 after being deported.
His family last heard from him on January 26, just after he was caught at a US checkpoint. They claim he was initially supposed to be released on bond after a brief detention. However, under mounting pressure due to US President Donald Trump’s strict crackdown on illegal immigration, he was allegedly coerced into signing deportation documents.
Akash was reportedly warned that if he refused to sign, he would face imprisonment in the United States.
- With inputs from agencies
