Long and treacherous journeys, through inhospitable land and weather conditions – all for the American dream, or at least that is what they were promised. But little did they know that they were walking into the custody of the US Border Patrol, who were waiting for them.

This is the story of most of the 104 Indian nationals who were deported by the US on a C-17 military aircraft for entering the country illegally.

CREDIT: AP

Most of the deportees followed what is often referred to as the dunki route, where undocumented immigrants create a false trail by travelling to various countries, mostly in Latin America, before entering the US through the Mexican border.

However, such journeys can be dangerous and could take months before they get a chance to enter the US – that is, if they manage to make it and stay alive.

CREDIT: REUTERS

Sukhpal Singh, a resident of Darapur village in Punjab's Hoshiarpur, was one of the 104 illegal immigrants who were deported by the US.

According to the 35-year-old, his journey included travelling 15 hours by sea and walking 40-45 kilometres through dangerous hills.

“Those who got hurt were left behind. We saw many dead bodies,” he said.

Also read: Punjab man who took 'dunki route' for six months deported to India, 11 days after entering US

CREDIT: REUTERS

Despite everything he went through, Sukhpal could not even set foot in the US, and he was caught in Mexico just before crossing the border.

According to Sukhpal, he was locked up for days before he, like others, was put on the deportation flight.

“We were locked in a dark cell for 14 days, never seeing daylight. There are many more Punjabis, families, and children in similar situations,” he added, advising others against taking illegal routes abroad.

CREDIT: REUTERS

The deportation of Sukhpal came as a shock to his family, who were under the impression that he was in Italy, where he was working as a chef.

“As far as we knew, he was working legally in Italy as a chef and had all valid documents. We last spoke with him about 20-22 days ago when he was still in Italy. He did not mention anything about travelling elsewhere. Since then, we have had no contact with him," his father, Prem Saini, a retired government school teacher, told PTI earlier.

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