‘We walked through jungles, starved for days’: Haryana youths deported from US share ordeal

Their dreams were grand, but their return home speaks only of heartbreak and loss. For several youths from Karnal and Kaithal districts, the perilous “donkey route” to the US — an illegal and dangerous passage promising prosperity — has ended in despair.

In the latest deportation by US authorities, nearly 54 youths from Haryana, including 16 from Karnal and 14 from Kaithal, have returned home, their ambitions crushed and families drowning in debt. They landed in Delhi on Saturday and were handed over to their families by the police the next day.

These families — many of whom sold land, shops and homes to fund the journeys — are now left struggling emotionally and financially.

At a small sweet shop in Sangohi village, 20-year-old Rajat Pal sits beside his brother Vishal, recalling the ordeal that shattered their American dream.

Rajat left home on May 26, 2024, carrying the weight of his family’s hopes. His father, a halwai (sweet maker), and Vishal had sold their shop and a small plot of land, raising nearly Rs 45 lakh to send him abroad through an agent who promised a “guaranteed entry.” Another Rs 15 lakh went into legal fees and payments along the route.

“We were 12 to 13 boys in the group. We walked through thick jungles in Panama for days, sleeping wherever we could and surviving on little food. It was terrifying, but we believed things would get better once we reached America. Now, all our dreams have been shattered,” said Rajat.

He was detained by US authorities and kept in custody for nearly two weeks before being moved to another detention centre.

“Every day was filled with uncertainty. On October 20, 2025, we were told we would be deported to India,” he said.

Back home, Rajat now helps his father in the family’s sweet shop, his eyes reflecting both fatigue and resignation.

“I don’t want anyone else to go through what I did,” he said quietly.

Vishal, his elder brother, narrated the family’s financial ruin. “We spent over Rs 60 lakh in total — Rs 45 lakh to the agent and the rest on appeals and paperwork. We sold everything and borrowed money, hoping Rajat would settle abroad. But all we have now are debts,” he said.

Similar tales have emerged from Kaithal district, where 14 youths were deported. Naresh Kumar of Taragarh village said he sold his farmland and spent Rs 57.50 lakh, only to spend 14 months in a US prison before deportation.

“Agents trick us with big promises. Once you leave India, they keep demanding more money at every border crossing. It is a nightmare,” said Naresh, adding that deportees were sent back in handcuffs.

Police officials confirmed the deportations. Karnal SP Ganga Ram Punia and Kaithal SP Upasana said no formal complaint had been received yet. “Action will be taken as per any complaint filed,” they stated.