Photo : Messenger
An increasing number of people are opting to migrate illegally to America despite the inherent risks involved, drawn in by the promises and allure disseminated by the brokers. The harsh reality is that many are jeopardising their lives and falling victim to financial scams, losing substantial amounts of money as they place their trust and funds in the hands of these deceitful intermediaries.
The situation is disconcerting not only due to the physical dangers associated with illegal border crossings but also because of the financial exploitation that accompanies such endeavors. The temptation of a better life in America, coupled with the persuasive tactics employed by brokers, is leading individuals into a treacherous web of deceit and fraud.
Additional Superintendent of Police Tanjila Islam of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport Immigration has highlighted a discernible trend in ongoing investigations – the increasing incidence of individuals attempting to reach America through illegal means. In such cases, those seeking entry into the United States do not possess visas directly issued by the US, instead, they hold visas from other countries such as Kenya, Dubai, or Brazil. This unconventional pattern raises suspicions, indicating a likely route to America.
She added: Despite these observations, law enforcement authorities find themselves in a challenging position at times. While the indirect routes through other countries suggest an intent to reach America, it's not always straightforward to take immediate action. Immigration officials often engage with passengers, and when it becomes apparent that they might be unaware of the complexities or risks involved in their journey, efforts are made to intervene and prevent them from proceeding further.
CID DIG Sheikh Nazmul Alam, in a statement to The Daily Messenger, has shed light on a specific group of brokers engaging in fraudulent activities under the guise of legitimate agencies. Notably, a recent incident prompted the filing of a police case involving individuals who were deceived by paying money with the aim of entering America illegally. The ongoing investigation is rooted in this particular case.
In emphasising the importance of vigilance, CID DIG Sheikh Nazmul Alam highlights the need for individuals to be cautious and informed. He underscores that prevention is only achievable when people are conscious of the risks and methods employed by these fraudulent entities. Heightened awareness, according to him, is a crucial component in the efforts to curb such illicit activities.
Talking to both victims and brokers provides chilling insights into the harrowing realities of illegal entry into the United States. The desperate pursuit of the American dream compels individuals to undertake perilous journeys, traversing deserts, jungles, and crossing rivers by boat on foot. This path, while aiming for a better life, is fraught with extreme dangers, posing significant risks of death at various stages. Tragically, numerous individuals have lost their lives in the pursuit of this aspiration, including reports of fatalities among Bangladeshis.
The perilous journey is not only marked by the threat of death but also involves horrifying instances of human exploitation. Hostages are sometimes held captive, subject to ransom demands, and forced to endure inhumane torture during their captivity.
How to enter the country illegally: Visas are obtained via middlemen from Kenya, Brazil, or the United Arab Emirates. Brokers entice with a variety of offers, such as a 100% guarantee. With the brokers, agreements are negotiated up until their departure for America. The contract sum is between 30 and 40 lakh taka.
In was known that illegal migration aspirants travel from Dubai to Dhaka utilising Guarulhos Airport in Ethiopia as a transit point from there. The person then takes a flight from there to Sao Paulo, Brazil. It cost $1,000 to transport from Brazil to Quito, Ecuador. Broker syndicate representatives are accompanying them. Subsequently, traveling by bus from Quito, Ecuador to Talkan, a city that borders Colombia. After spending a day hiding there before boarding a bus to Turbo. Then they travel by boat from Turbo to Capurganá, the Colombian city under the grip of bandits, across the Gulf of Urabá
Meanwhile, the smuggling ring operates with a rotating cast of representatives, each assigned to a specific route. These representatives, often posing as local travel agents, hail from countries like Brazil, Costa Rica, or Ecuador. Their primary duty is to navigate their designated route successfully.
For Bangladeshi victims of trafficking, the perilous journey involves traversing the daunting Darien Gap forest from Capurguana, spanning an unforgiving 100 kilometers in length. Crossing this dense jungle proves to be a formidable challenge, leading to tragic outcomes for many. Unfortunately, some lose their lives in this harsh environment, with their bodies left behind as grim markers for those who follow.
Adding to the dangers, a gang of Panamanian robbers lurks within the Darien Gap forest, posing a constant threat to the vulnerable migrants. Tragically, numerous individuals have become victims of these criminals. The objective is to cross the perilous Darien Gap and eventually reach Panama by bus.
Upon reaching Panama, the journey continues with an escape by bus to Costa Rica. As night falls, the next leg involves a three-hour boat journey through the mainland of Nicaragua, culminating at the border of Honduras. Negotiating this leg of the trip requires passing through two checkpoints before entering Honduras via bus. The subsequent phase entails a six-hour trek through the jungle to reach Guatemala. This stretch, too, is fraught with dangers, encompassing the constant fear of encountering robbers and the looming threat of attacks by wild animals, including snakes.
Subsequently, the trafficked individuals find themselves in Mexico, where another syndicate becomes involved, resorting to the forgery of documents to facilitate the journey from Mexico into the United States. While in Mexico, these victims are often exploited as cheap laborers by local landowners.
The US-Mexico border is a complex and challenging obstacle, divided into nine distinct parts. El Centro, the shortest border section, stretches approximately 100 km west of the US Arizona-California border. This particular border area shares boundaries with El Peso, Nogalis, Baja California, and the formidable Sonoran Desert.
The Sonoran Desert, serving as the American border, presents a treacherous terrain that poses significant dangers. Covering a distance of 100 km, those attempting to cross this arid expanse face life-threatening challenges. The harsh conditions of the desert have claimed many lives, underscoring the immense risks involved in this part of the journey. The arduous trek requires individuals to traverse vast stretches of inhospitable terrain, making it a perilous endeavor for those seeking entry into the United States.
Shawon Islam, a victim, shared with Messenger that they knowingly handed over Tk 18 lakh to broker Anwar Hossain Salim with the promise of obtaining a visa for Brazil. Despite the assurances, the promised visa was never issued, and the money was not refunded.
Expressing the common sentiment of those embarking on such journeys, Shaon mentioned that everyone sets out with the hope of securing a better life. The victims, including Shaon, believed in the brokers' guarantees of a hassle-free and successful delivery of the promised services.
In response to a query, Shaon disclosed that such unscrupulous brokers operate in prominent areas like Gulshan, Banani, and Paltan. Shockingly, many registered agencies also engage in similar deceptive practices behind the scenes, further highlighting the prevalence of fraudulent activities within the system.
Messenger/Sun Yath
