ED Launches Fresh Searches in ‘U.S. Donkey Route’ Investigation

Swift Summary

• The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches across seven locations in Punjab (Mansa) and Haryana (Kurukshetra, Karnal) on July 11, 2025, as part of the “U.S. Donkey Route” case involving human trafficking and illegal immigration.
• These raids followed previous searches on July 9 involving 11 locations in Punjab and Haryana tied to human trafficker networks facilitating illegal routes outside India.
• The examination revealed agents charged ₹45-50 lakh per person under false promises of legal U.S. travel but instead sent individuals through perilous jungle routes spanning several countries, including Spain, el Salvador, Guatemala, and Mexico.
• Human traffickers worked with “donkers” (conduits for illegal immigration) to exploit victims financially under coercive circumstances.
• Statements from deportees helped uncover suspects’ roles; such deportees were among immigrants illicitly trafficked to the U.S., many of whom were later deported back to india in February.
• Additional arrests were made earlier this month by the National Investigation Agency following similar operations against individuals linked with trafficking networks.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The recent series of raids underscores India’s proactive approach toward dismantling organized human trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable populations aspiring for better opportunities abroad.this crackdown suggests growing coordination between enforcement agencies like ED and NIA as they pursue complex cases involving international crimes such as money laundering and illegal immigration.

The alleged scale of exploitation-charging exorbitant fees while exposing migrants to life-threatening journeys-highlights pressing vulnerabilities within India’s socio-economic fabric that facilitate such schemes. Additionally, addressing systemic loopholes enabling fraudulent travel practices could improve governance over migration processes.

These developments may signal tighter regulations against unscrupulous agents profiting from dreams of migration while reinforcing international cooperation on tackling similar global issues beyond borders.

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