US Deportee shares 7-Month ordeal, 2 travel agents booked

A deportee from the US has filed a police complaint against two travel agents who charged him Rs 45 lakh for illegal entry into the United States. The authorities are working to apprehend the accused agents.

In his police statement, he described his terrifying experiences of surviving dangerous wildlife and reptiles in Colombian jungles.

His journey spanned Colombia, Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico before entering the USA, where authorities arrested him. This seven-month ordeal ended with his deportation, crushing his American aspirations.

Law enforcement has registered charges and travelled to Haryana to capture the suspects. Tarunveer Singh, from Khera village in Mohali, informed officials about 10 Haryana-based agents who orchestrated his illegal entry to America.

Majri police have filed charges against Gurjinder Antal from Smalabad, Ambala district, and Makal from Ambala under sections 143, 316(2), 318(4) of the BNS Act and section 24 of the Immigration Act. Officers are conducting searches across various locations in Ambala.

According to Tarunveer Singh's statement to Majri police, he was deported on Feb 16, 2025.

Partners Gurjinder Singh Antal and Makal arranged his illegal transit. He connected with them through his acquaintance, Gursharan Singh. After submitting his passport on July 10, 2024, his journey commenced.

Gurjinder Singh promised air travel to America and employment for Rs 45 lakh. His father paid Rs 18 lakh upon his arrival in Colombia. The remaining amount was collected when he reached Mexico.

The group remained in Colombia for four months. When he expressed his desire to abandon the illegal journey and return to Punjab, the agents issued threats and forced him to continue.

He endured mistreatment during the border crossing, often going without sustenance for extended periods.