54 Haryana Youths Deported from US for Illegal Entry via Donkey Route
In a significant development, the United States has deported 54 Indian youths, all hailing from Haryana, for allegedly entering the country through illegal means popularly known as the “Donkey Route.” The deportees landed at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, Terminal-3, on Flight OAE-4767. According to police officials, they were handed over to their families after necessary verification.
Karnal DSP Sandeep Kumar confirmed the deportation and stated, “Today, more Indians were deported from the United States, including 50 from Haryana, with approximately 16 from Karnal district. These individuals, from various villages and towns, had entered the US illegally via the ‘ donkey route ’ but were deported today.”
Authorities warn that such routes not only pose life-threatening risks but also expose travellers to exploitation, fraud, and imprisonment. The US government, under the Trump administration, has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration , leading to increased deportations of those who entered without valid documents or visas.
The DSP also warned the public against attempting to go abroad through illegal channels. “They also advised against anyone attempting to go abroad illegally, emphasising that it is the wrong method that leads to significant problems later on,” he added.
According to official sources, Lakhwinder Singh had been operating from the US since 2022 under the directions of Anmol Bishnoi, another associate of the Bishnoi gang. He was actively involved in multiple cases of extortion and firing incidents across Haryana and Punjab.
The dual developments — the deportation of 54 Haryana youths for illegal entry into the US and the arrest of a key Lawrence Bishnoi associate — highlight two pressing issues facing Indian law enforcement: the increasing number of individuals falling prey to illegal immigration networks and the persistent challenge of organised crime. Authorities continue to warn citizens against using unauthorised means to travel abroad, stressing that legitimate channels remain the only safe and lawful option.
Details of Deportation
As per official information, the deported individuals belong to several districts across Haryana — 16 from Karnal, 15 from Kaithal, 5 from Ambala, 4 from Yamuna Nagar, 4 from Kurukshetra, 3 from Jind, 2 from Sonipat, and one each from Panchkula, Panipat, Rohtak, and Fatehabad. Most of them are reportedly between 25 and 40 years of age.Karnal DSP Sandeep Kumar confirmed the deportation and stated, “Today, more Indians were deported from the United States, including 50 from Haryana, with approximately 16 from Karnal district. These individuals, from various villages and towns, had entered the US illegally via the ‘ donkey route ’ but were deported today.”
The Donkey Route: A Dangerous Path
The so-called “Donkey Route” refers to an illegal and perilous network used by migrants to enter foreign countries, often involving multiple border crossings through unsafe terrains, with the help of human traffickers or agents. Many such journeys begin in South or Central America, leading migrants through treacherous routes across forests, deserts, and river crossings before they attempt to cross into the United States.Authorities warn that such routes not only pose life-threatening risks but also expose travellers to exploitation, fraud, and imprisonment. The US government, under the Trump administration, has intensified its crackdown on illegal immigration , leading to increased deportations of those who entered without valid documents or visas.
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Police Action and Advice
According to DSP Sandeep Kumar, the Haryana Police has not yet received any formal complaints regarding agents or middlemen who facilitated these illegal journeys. However, investigations are ongoing. “The police further stated that an investigation is underway, and if anyone has a criminal record, it will come to light during the investigation,” he said.The DSP also warned the public against attempting to go abroad through illegal channels. “They also advised against anyone attempting to go abroad illegally, emphasising that it is the wrong method that leads to significant problems later on,” he added.
Previous Deportations
This is not the first instance of large-scale deportation from the United States to India. Earlier this year, hundreds of individuals were deported for violating immigration laws. The US government regularly deports people who do not possess a valid legal basis to remain in the country, especially in cases involving forged documents or illegal entry. Since the Trump administration assumed office, law enforcement agencies have intensified border surveillance and repatriation efforts.Crackdown on Organised Crime
In a related development, the Haryana Special Task Force (STF) has achieved a breakthrough in its fight against organised crime. The STF Ambala Unit arrested Lakhwinder Singh, alias Lakha, a resident of Titram village in Kaithal district. He is a close associate of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi and was deported from the United States after completion of all legal formalities.According to official sources, Lakhwinder Singh had been operating from the US since 2022 under the directions of Anmol Bishnoi, another associate of the Bishnoi gang. He was actively involved in multiple cases of extortion and firing incidents across Haryana and Punjab.
Criminal Background and Legal Process
Lakhwinder Singh’s criminal record spans multiple districts, including Sonipat, Rohtak, Yamuna Nagar, Kaithal, and Ambala. In response to his activities, the STF Haryana issued a Look Out Circular (LOC) in 2023 and a Red Corner Notice (RCN) in 2024. After nearly a year of continuous coordination with international agencies, authorities succeeded in securing his deportation from the United States. The STF confirmed that Singh is currently in custody and further interrogation is underway.The dual developments — the deportation of 54 Haryana youths for illegal entry into the US and the arrest of a key Lawrence Bishnoi associate — highlight two pressing issues facing Indian law enforcement: the increasing number of individuals falling prey to illegal immigration networks and the persistent challenge of organised crime. Authorities continue to warn citizens against using unauthorised means to travel abroad, stressing that legitimate channels remain the only safe and lawful option.





