Chains of Desperation: The Harrowing Journey of an Indian Migrant Deported from the U.S.

Gurpreet Singh's dreams of a better life in the U.S. were shattered when he was deported back to India, shackled and humiliated. His journey mirrors the experiences of many Indian migrants who risk everything for a chance at asylum, only to confront the harsh realities of strict U.S. immigration laws under President Trump.

Gurpreet Singh, a 39-year-old Indian man, found himself in chains as he was deported from the U.S. after a desperate attempt to escape an unemployment crisis back home. Handcuffed and shackled, he was escorted by US Border Patrol to a C-17 military aircraft, a stark conclusion to his journey after spending his life savings to migrate illegally. "It felt like the ground was slipping away from underneath my feet," Gurpreet recalled, as he faced the bitter reality of returning to India.

As one of approximately 725,000 undocumented Indian immigrants in the United States, Gurpreet's story is part of an ongoing migration crisis, with many seeking refuge from economic hardships. Recent figures indicate that Indian nationals constitute the third-largest group of undocumented migrants, following Mexicans and Salvadorans. Following President Trump's inauguration, mass deportations were emphasized, and Gurpreet became one of the first undocumented Indians to be sent back as a part of this strategy, without the opportunity to present his asylum claim based on alleged threats to his safety.

Images released by the US Border Patrol showing deportees chained sparked outrage across India, especially among political opposition who criticized the treatment of Indian migrants. "Inhuman and degrading,” they declared, calling into question the nature of diplomatic relations between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump. Gurpreet himself expressed disappointment in the Indian government for not intervening on behalf of deportees.

Despite assurances that subsequent deportations would be somewhat more humane, Gurpreet's experience reflected broader immigration crimes. He shared harrowing details: "We sat in handcuffs and shackles for over 40 hours," he recounted, illustrating the severe conditions he endured alongside women and children.

In response to his experience and the larger climate of fear, Pakistani authorities reported that many people-smugglers have since gone into hiding, apprehensive of increased scrutiny due to heightened raids. Gurpreet himself described the extent of his sacrifice: he sold assets and borrowed extensively to afford the perilous journey towards the U.S., which spanned several South American countries, culminating in a dangerous trek across the Darién Gap.

Gurpreet’s dreams of starting a new life were extinguished shortly after he arrived in California. Contrary to the Biden administration's handling of undocumented immigrants—which often allowed them to present asylum claims—Gurpreet faced immediate deportation. Now back in India, he faces the daunting task of repaying debts, all while his family’s financial situation remains dire.

The disparity between India's reported low unemployment rate and the reality of job scarcity led Gurpreet to reflect, "You can say whatever about the economy on paper, but you need to see the ground reality." His story encapsulates the dire consequences faced by many hopeful migrants as they navigate a complex and often unforgiving system in search of a better life.