TikTok Smugglers Exploit Punjabi Migrants with Illegal Crossings from Canada to U.S.: Report
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.
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.”
Similar stories
Comments are closed.