In a striking revelation from the US Customs and Border Protection (UCBP), a record-breaking 96,917 Indians were detained for illegally crossing into the United States between October 2022 and September 2023. Despite recent tragic incidents resulting in loss of lives during these border crossings, the numbers have surged significantly, exposing the perilous nature of these journeys, especially through hazardous routes.
The data highlights a staggering increase in apprehensions of Indian nationals crossing into the US without authorization. The figures paint a stark picture: 19,883 apprehensions in 2019-20, which soared to 30,662 in 2020-21, and further escalated to 63,927 in 2021-22. The most recent numbers demonstrate a substantial surge compared to previous years.
The majority of the 96,917 apprehended individuals, primarily hailing from Punjab and Gujarat, were divided between the Canadian and Mexican borders, with 30,010 individuals caught at the Canada border and 41,770 at the Mexico frontier.
These arrests were categorized into four groups, including Accompanied Minors (AM), Individuals in a Family Unit (FMUA), Single Adults, and Unaccompanied Children (UC). Among these categories, single adults represented the largest group, with a staggering 84,000 Indian adults illegally crossing into the US in the fiscal year of 2023.
Moreover, a concerning 730 unaccompanied minors were among those arrested, emphasizing the vulnerability and risks faced by young individuals making this arduous journey.
