New Delhi: An average of 65 Indian nationals were detained every day while attempting to enter the United States illegally over the past year, highlighting the continued scale of irregular migration despite tighter enforcement. Official data for the period January to December 2025 shows that 23,830 Indians were intercepted by US authorities while trying to gain unauthorised entry into the country.
While the overall number marks a decline compared to the previous year, officials and migration experts say the figures underline that illegal entry routes remain active and adaptive. In 2024, a significantly higher number of Indians were caught attempting to cross into the US, but the drop in 2025 has not translated into a complete halt of such movements.
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A key shift observed in the latest data is the complete absence of family units among those detained. All Indian nationals intercepted in 2025 were travelling alone, a sharp contrast to earlier trends. In 2024, nearly 20,000 Indians were apprehended while attempting to enter the US with spouses, children or other family members. Analysts believe this change reflects a deliberate strategy adopted by human smuggling networks to reduce visibility and risk.
The data also points to a change in preferred routes. Traditionally, illegal crossings through the Canada and Mexico borders accounted for a large share of cases. However, authorities have now flagged the growing use of the Türkiye–Dubai route, through which migrants are flown directly to the US. In many such cases, individuals reportedly enter on tourist or vacation visas and subsequently overstay, violating immigration conditions.
During 2025, 6,968 Indians were intercepted at the Canada border, while 1,543 were caught at the Mexico border. A much larger number — 15,319 Indian nationals — were detained within various US cities for immigration violations, indicating that overstaying and internal enforcement actions now account for a significant share of cases.
The year also saw a sharp rise in deportations. The US deported 3,254 Indian nationals in 2025, the highest annual figure since 2009. Over the past 16 years, a total of 18,882 Indians have been deported from the United States. Observers say the rising deportation numbers signal stricter enforcement against both illegal entry and visa overstays.
The so-called ‘dunki route’ is considered extremely dangerous due to the conditions migrants are forced to endure. One pathway involves entering North America through Canada and attempting to cross into the US on foot in temperatures that can plunge to –40 degrees Celsius. Another commonly used route runs through South and Central America, requiring migrants to traverse dense jungles, rivers, mountains and deserts, often without adequate food, water or medical support.
Several documented cases have highlighted the human cost of these journeys, including deaths due to exposure, exhaustion and accidents. Despite the risks, experts say desperation and limited legal migration options continue to push individuals toward these routes.
Migration analysts note that many Indians who attempt the dunki route do so after being promised quick success and long-term settlement by agents. In reality, most end up detained, placed in immigration custody, or deported, often after exhausting their savings and taking on heavy debt.
Experts tracking migration trends stress that enforcement alone may not be enough. They argue that public awareness, strict action against fraudulent agents, and expanded access to verified legal pathways are crucial to curbing illegal migration.
“The numbers may fluctuate year to year, but the underlying drivers remain,” a migration observer said. “As long as misinformation and false promises persist, the dunki route will continue to claim lives and livelihoods.”
With nearly 24,000 Indians intercepted in a single year, the data serves as a stark reminder that illegal migration offers no shortcut — only prolonged uncertainty, financial loss and legal consequences.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
