The recent arrest of an elderly Sikh man at New Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport sparked a major investigation into illegal immigration networks operating between India, Canada, and the United States. Guru Sevak Singh, disguised as a 67-year-old, was intercepted by CISF officials, prompting a deeper probe into the pervasive practice of exploiting visa-on-arrival schemes.
Delhi Police, expanding their efforts beyond passenger arrests, have targeted the root of the issue: immigration agents. In the last six months alone, 108 fraudulent agents have been apprehended nationwide, a significant increase from the previous year’s figures.
“This crackdown has included arrests across multiple states, including Punjab, Gujarat, Haryana, Maharashtra, and West Bengal,” stated Delhi Police, underscoring the widespread nature of the illicit operation.
The investigation revealed sophisticated methods employed by agents, including counterfeit visas, forged passports, and identity theft, to facilitate illegal immigration. Agents exploited visa-on-arrival policies, directing individuals through circuitous routes via countries like Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, en route to the US-Mexico border.
“Returning to old cases, Delhi Police have successfully tracked down and prosecuted immigration agents previously involved in facilitating illegal border crossings,” affirmed police officials. This renewed focus has resulted in the apprehension of 51 agents linked to historical cases in 2024 alone, emphasizing law enforcement’s commitment to resolving longstanding issues.
The donkey route, as it’s known, often involves perilous journeys across oceans and through challenging terrains, with reports of individuals spending exorbitant sums—upwards of Rs 60 lakh—to reach destinations like the US.
“Agents prey on aspirations, offering false promises and charging hefty sums for perilous journeys,” noted authorities, highlighting the human toll and financial burden borne by victims seeking better opportunities abroad.
In 2023, a record number of 96,917 Indians were detained or expelled while attempting to cross into the US, underscoring the scale of the issue. Indians constitute one of the largest groups of illegal immigrants in the United States, according to Pew Research Center.
The ongoing crackdown on immigration agents aims to dismantle these networks, saving lives and preventing further exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking to fulfill their aspirations abroad.