A video of a Punjabi Sikh youth crying and appealing to people not to take the illegal “donkey” route to foreign countries has gone viral on social media. In the 33-second video, the unidentified man appears to be lying on a bed inside a room and claims he is stranded in Mexico after travelling through an illegal migration network. He alleges that he was assaulted after attempting to escape and says he is now struggling to walk properly because of the injuries.

The video, reportedly uploaded on August 13, shows the youth pleading with folded hands and warning others against trusting agents who promise safe passage abroad through illegal routes. He claims he made a serious mistake by choosing the route and repeatedly urges people not to follow his example. The video does not disclose his name, exact location or other identifying details, making it difficult to independently establish his circumstances from the footage alone.

According to the youth’s account, he reached Mexico through the “donkey” route and later attempted to flee from the people allegedly controlling his movement. He claims he was beaten after trying to escape and says the assault left him unable to walk normally. At one point, he appears to indicate that the person recording the video was the same individual who had brought him to Mexico. He ends his appeal by acknowledging his decision was a mistake and asking others not to repeat it.

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Social media posts accompanying the video have claimed that several Indian youths who travelled through similar routes are stranded in Mexico and that prayers are being offered for their safety. However, these claims have not been independently verified. The video itself provides no confirmation about how many people may be stranded, who allegedly brought them to Mexico or whether authorities have been informed about the youth’s situation.

The “donkey” route refers to irregular migration journeys in which people use multiple countries and illegal channels while attempting to eventually reach destinations such as the United States. Such journeys can involve substantial payments to agents and expose migrants to risks including exploitation, extortion, violence, detention and trafficking. Migrants may also be left stranded in transit countries when arrangements fail or when they are unable to continue their journey.

Illegal migration networks have attracted people seeking employment and better economic opportunities abroad, including from Punjab and other parts of India. The viral video has once again highlighted the risks associated with relying on unverified agents and illegal migration routes. The allegations made by the youth regarding assault and his circumstances in Mexico have not been independently confirmed, but his warning reflects the serious dangers migrants can face when travelling through irregular channels.

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