Amritsar, February 25 – In a major crackdown on illegal immigration networks, Amritsar Police have taken action against 40 travel agencies accused of charging exorbitant fees and using unauthorized routes—commonly referred to as "Dunki routes"—to facilitate the migration of Indian citizens to the United States. The agents were reportedly involved with several deported individuals who recently returned from the US.

According to official reports, over the past three years, more than 3,200 police cases have been filed against fraudulent travel agents in Punjab. The latest crackdown follows an order by Amritsar Deputy Commissioner Sakshi Sahni and was prompted by the recent deportation of over 300 Indians from the US and Panama earlier this month.

Government sources revealed that Punjabis make up the largest group among deported Indian nationals. Three deportation flights arrived on February 5, 15, and 16, carrying a total of 333 Indians—of whom 126 (37.8%) were from Punjab. Due to the high concentration of deportees from the state, 21 such flights have landed in Amritsar since May 2020.

The issue has sparked political debate, with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann raising objections to the frequent landings of deportation flights in the state.

Meanwhile, authorities are doubling down on efforts to curb illegal immigration, ensuring that Indian citizens are not exploited by unscrupulous agents who promise overseas opportunities through fraudulent means.

With the US tightening immigration policies under former President Donald Trump and now under the Biden administration, India appears to be responding by cracking down on illegal migration networks. By enforcing stricter regulations, authorities aim to protect citizens from exploitation and prevent them from facing harsh deportation conditions—including reports of Indian deportees being handcuffed upon removal from the US.

This latest enforcement action underscores the government's commitment to tackling illegal immigration while ensuring that those seeking to go abroad do so through legal and authorized channels.