TikTok Smugglers Exploit Punjabi Migrants with Illegal Crossings from Canada to U.S.: Report

A troubling trend has emerged as TikTok accounts offer illegal services to Indian temporary residents in Canada, helping them cross into the United States through unofficial routes. These services are promoted on social media, often targeting Indian students living in cities like Montreal, Brampton, and Surrey. With testimonials claiming successful crossings, these smugglers promise a quick journey “through the jungle” for a hefty fee.

In a recent investigation, Radio-Canada uncovered over a dozen TikTok accounts advertising these illegal crossings. The accounts, one of which has more than 360,000 followers, frequently post testimonials in Punjabi, claiming to have safely crossed from Canada into the U.S. This has raised alarms as more and more individuals are falling victim to these false promises of a hassle-free journey.

The number of irregular crossings from Canada into the U.S. has skyrocketed in recent months. Since January, a staggering 13,000 individuals have been apprehended crossing illegally from southern Quebec into states like New York and Vermont. Most of those intercepted are Indian nationals holding Canadian student or tourist visas.

The smugglers promote their services on TikTok and other social media platforms, assuring clients they can safely bypass official border points. For many, the promise of entering the U.S. seems worth the risk. As one of the smugglers, who goes by “Harry,” claimed in a conversation with Radio-Canada, “Brother, we have come to the U.S. from Canada… His [service] is outstanding. We have come through very easily.”

The smugglers charge anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 for their services. Rahul, another smuggler who spoke with Radio-Canada, detailed the operation: the journey involves being dropped near the border and walking through rough terrain for around 25 to 40 minutes. Rahul assured that after reaching U.S. soil, authorities would release them after brief paperwork, allowing migrants to continue their journey freely.

According to political scientist Shinder Purewal of Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Canada’s relatively easier visa process is fueling this illegal migration. “Getting a Canadian visa is very easy. The U.S. visa is particularly hard,” he explained. “Basically, all the gangs of Punjab now operate from Canada. And it’s safer.”

The booming demand for illegal border-crossing services is driven by disinformation and fearmongering among temporary visa holders in Canada. These smugglers exploit the anxiety of Indian students and temporary workers, many of whom face an uncertain future regarding their immigration status. “The large number of Indian residents who remain here with no prospect of getting permanent residence in Canada, they choose to leave for the U.S.,” Purewal added.

Both Canadian and American authorities are stepping up efforts to curb this rising trend. U.S. Customs and Border Protection has condemned the smugglers, warning against false promises of open borders. “Smugglers and bad actors continue to spread falsehoods and show complete disregard for the safety and well-being of vulnerable migrants,” stated Steven Bansbach, a spokesperson for the agency.

Despite increased patrols and arrests, the lucrative market for these illegal crossings persists. With social media platforms like TikTok enabling smugglers to reach a broad audience, the problem is unlikely to go away anytime soon. Authorities are urging individuals to be aware of the risks and legal repercussions associated with illegal border crossings and to avoid falling victim to such dangerous schemes.