‘Don’t Come To Mexico’: Sikh Youth’s Cry For Help From Mexico Goes Viral

A distressed Sikh youth has been seen in a 33-second video, lying on a bed in Mexico and crying out for people not to attempt illegal migration routes to the United States. The 33-second video shows the injured youth folded in prayer, warning others against travelling through the "donkey route" and urging them not to fall into the trap of agents offering a safe journey abroad.

The youth claims he reached Mexico through this route, but later tried to escape and was assaulted, leaving him unable to walk properly. The video surfaced on TikTok on August 13 and was then shared on X. The identity of the youth could not be independently verified from the video. The video has reignited concerns over the risks associated with the "donkey route", an illegal and dangerous migration network used by Indians seeking entry into the US via Latin America.

Reports suggest such journeys can cost between Rs 20 lakh and Rs 70 lakh, with payments sometimes made in installments. Migrants face exploitation, assault and are often held hostage by criminal groups along these routes. Authorities and experts have repeatedly cautioned against illegal migration agents and dangerous routes.