Punjab Man Dies of Heart Attack While Travelling to US Via Donkey Route; Family Blames Agents, Seeks Justice

Amritsar: A 33-year-old man from Punjab died of a heart attack while attempting to illegally enter the US through the ‘Donkey Route.’ Gurpreet, a resident of Ramdas, collapsed near the Guatemala-Mexico border. His family, who paid ₹36 lakh to travel agents for safe passage, has accused them of fraud and demanded strict action, according to multiple media reports. 

Family Blames Travel Agents  

Gurpreet’s family alleged that the agents misled them with false promises of a safe journey. They claim the agents assured them of a smooth passage, but instead, Gurpreet was subjected to extreme conditions, leading to his death. 

Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has urged people not to risk their lives by traveling abroad illegally and instead invest their money in businesses within Punjab.  

"If you have saved so much money, even by taking loans, then start a business here in Punjab. My government will fully support you," Dhaliwal said.  

Efforts to Bring Back Deceased’s Body  

Speaking to media Dhaliwal assured that the government is working to bring his body back. "The man was trying to reach America through multiple countries. His parents are devastated and have demanded the return of his body. Our department has already started the process to bring it back," he said.  

He also appealed to families and youth across Punjab to avoid illegal migration, warning of the dangers involved. "I request all parents and young people in Punjab—do not take illegal routes to go abroad. It is a life-threatening gamble," the minister said.  

Man Dies Amid US Crackdown on Illegal Migrants

Illegal immigration has become a serious issue, with hundreds of Indians taking dangerous routes to reach countries like the U.S. Recently, the U.S. deported 104 Indian immigrants, including people from Punjab, Haryana , and Gujarat . The deportees arrived in Amritsar on February 5 via a US military aircraft, triggering controversy over reports that Indian civilians were handcuffed and chained during transit.  

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the US deportation matter in Parliament, stressing the need to crack down on Illegal Migration.  "The House will appreciate that our focus should be on a strong crackdown on the illegal migration industry while taking steps to ease visas for legitimate travelers," he said.  

Punjab Govt Sets Up Helpline for Stranded NRIs

As the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on illegal immigrants, the Punjab government has launched a WhatsApp helpline to assist stranded Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The move follows the recent deportation of Indian nationals from the U.S., many of whom were caught without valid documents.  

Complaints received on the helpline will be forwarded to the relevant government department and the Punjab Police’s NRI wing, ensuring a swift response to concerns. The initiative aims to provide timely support to NRIs facing legal and immigration-related challenges.

The Dangers of the ‘Donkey Route’  

The ‘Donkey Route’ is an illegal immigration pathway where people are smuggled through multiple countries under inhumane conditions. Many face extreme hardships, illnesses, and even death while attempting to reach their destination. Officials have warned against such risky travel and urged people not to fall prey to fraudulent agents.