It has now become very difficult to enter the US illegally. The Donald Trump administration has strictly implemented anti-immigration policies. The effect of this is that Indians, who were earlier ready to risk their lives to go to America, are now afraid of taking the 'donkey route'. 'Donkey route' means entering the US illegally, stealthily. The data shows that the arrests of Indians entering illegally in February 2025 have been the lowest in the last four years.
Action on illegal immigrants intensified
According to the report of US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP), only 1,628 illegal immigrants were caught from India in February 2025. This number was 3,132 in January and more than 5,600 in December. Smugglers, who were a lifeline for migrants, are now retreating. This is because the incidents of getting caught and sent back have increased. Those who are already living illegally in the US are scared. They are avoiding immigration raids and limiting their activities to avoid getting caught.
What do the figures say
According to USCBP data, usually 90,000 to one lakh Indians used to try to enter the US illegally every year. But due to strict action under the Trump administration, this number has already reduced significantly. Now people are afraid of getting caught and sent back, so this number is expected to be even less.
US sent back so many immigrants
In February this year, the US sent back 344 Indian immigrants in military planes. In the first three flights, people were chained and handcuffed. This shows how tough the administration is against illegal immigration. Therefore, it is no surprise that the February figures are the lowest number of Indians arrested in the US since 2022. Of the total 1,628 people caught, 238 were caught on the northern borders, 145 on the southern borders with Mexico and the rest inside the country.
Trump's strictness has blown the smugglers' senses
A source in the human trafficking network said that illegal operations have almost come to a halt due to Trump's tough stance on immigration. Especially those who used to help send Indians to America. The source said, 'Since Trump took office, smugglers have become very cautious. The situation got worse when the administration started sending illegal immigrants back through military flights. Human trafficking is barely going on now.'
Fear among illegal immigrants
Indians already living illegally in the US are also scared. A man from Kalol, who has been living there for years, told TOI his concerns. "We are constantly warning people in Gujarat not to take the illegal route. Immigration officials check frequently, and we are scared. Many of us avoid going to markets and some have stopped sending our children to school. We are just counting the days here in the US," he said.
