TikTok Used by Smugglers to Lure Indian Migrants Across US-Canada Border

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Key Takeaways

TikTok is used by smugglers offering illegal U.S.-Canada border crossings to Indian migrants, charging around $4,500-$5,000 per journey.
CBP’s campaign “Say No to the Coyote” raises awareness about smuggling risks, targeting migrants via digital and social media platforms.
On February 15-16, 2025, 276 deported Indian nationals arrived in Amritsar, highlighting widespread illegal migration and regional disputes in India.

Recent reports reveal that human smugglers, commonly called “coyotes,” are exploiting TikTok to attract Indian nationals for illegal migration attempts via the U.S.-Canada border. A New York Post investigation uncovered that these smugglers explicitly advertise their services on the social media platform, claiming to provide “100% safe” crossings for payments as high as $5,000. These advertisements largely target vulnerable individuals who seek better economic prospects or aim to escape tough conditions in India, making them easy targets for these criminal networks.

The smugglers’ TikTok posts often include promises of “payment after reach,” which implies that they only take payment once the individuals safely arrive in the U.S. For those desperate to migrate, these assurances make the offers appear trustworthy. The advertisements also specify Canadian cities like Montreal, Brampton, and Surrey as departure points, with cross-border destinations in U.S. states such as New York and Washington. According to coyotes contacted by the New York Post, a typical journey costs approximately $4,500. This includes a short two-hour car ride and a 25-minute walk across wooded areas. The smugglers often organize group crossings involving up to five people at a time, and the migrants are provided maps to navigate the route.

TikTok Used by Smugglers to Lure Indian Migrants Across US-Canada Border

This alarming trend highlights the adaptability of human smugglers in leveraging digital platforms to broaden their reach. TikTok serves as a powerful tool, allowing smuggling networks to connect with potential clients quickly and at scale. For many migrants, these online ads appear as a lifeline. Yet, the true nature of these operations makes them anything but safe. Illegal border crossings are risky, exposing migrants to harsh conditions and the possibility of exploitation.

Law Enforcement’s Response to Digital Smuggling Operations

The rise of human smuggling operations through social media platforms like TikTok presents new challenges for law enforcement. In an effort to combat the issue, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched a digital advertising campaign on May 11, 2022, aptly titled “Say No to the Coyote.” This campaign specifically targeted potential migrants in Central American countries such as Honduras and Guatemala. The goal was to discourage people from embarking on dangerous, illegal journeys. CBP’s campaign offered clear, direct warnings that smugglers are deceptive and that entering the United States without proper authorization is illegal.

CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus explained that reaching migrants digitally is vital in preventing tragedies. The campaign uses social media and mobile platforms to deliver educational messages, underscoring the risks of trusting smugglers. It also directs users to a dedicated information page detailing the dangers of irregular migration and reiterating that unauthorized entrants will either be removed promptly or placed into immigration removal proceedings.

These efforts form part of a larger initiative by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to address the surge in migrant encounters at the border. The program aligns with other measures aimed at deterring illegal migration and mitigating the influence of human smuggling networks. However, despite these efforts, the exploitation of platforms like TikTok continues, signaling the need for even more robust responses.

Deportations Highlight Extent of the Crisis

While U.S. authorities work to curb illegal migration, deportations remain a key enforcement tool under stricter immigration policies. On February 15, 2025, a deportation flight carrying 119 Indian nationals arrived in Amritsar, India, as part of a broader operation. A second deportation flight was scheduled for February 16, 2025, with 157 passengers, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

The February 15 deportation included individuals from various Indian states: 67 from Punjab, 33 from Haryana, eight from Gujarat, three from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Goa, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan, and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. This diverse distribution highlights the widespread appeal of illegal migration routes, driven by factors such as unemployment, poverty, and the desire for better living conditions.

However, deportations have sparked heated debate in India. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the central government of using Amritsar as the exclusive landing site for these flights to “defame Punjab and Punjabis.” He questioned why larger airports like Delhi were not chosen, suggesting that Punjab is being unfairly labeled as the epicenter of illegal migration. Mann also committed to welcoming deportees with dignity, even offering meals at places like the Golden Temple’s langar (community kitchen). Furthermore, he called for stronger action against fraudulent agents who mislead young people into paying exorbitant fees for these perilous migration attempts.

In contrast, BJP leader Tarun Chugh criticized Chief Minister Mann, accusing him of politicizing the issue. Chugh argued that the focus should be on addressing the root causes of illegal migration, such as high unemployment and lack of opportunities. He also highlighted the need for accountability, particularly concerning agents who pressure families to sell their land and assets to fund these dangerous journeys.

The Perilous Path: Risks of Illegal Migration

For those attempting illegal migration, the consequences are severe. Many migrants who paid significant sums to human smugglers found themselves apprehended at the U.S. border, shackled, and deported back to India. This process is humiliating, costly, and a stark reminder of the dangers of trusting criminal organizations. These migration routes, often referred to as “donkey routes” in local terminology, lead migrants through complex and dangerous passageways. Migrants frequently face harsh weather, unfamiliar terrain, and potential exploitation along the way.

The continued reliance on such illegal paths is not only a personal risk for the migrants but also places strain on U.S. immigration enforcement and border control measures. The integration of social media into these smuggling operations has made the issue even more complex. Criminal networks can easily create, share, and remove content, making it harder for authorities to track their activities and intervene effectively.

Looking Ahead: Coordinated Efforts Needed

As of February 19, 2025, reports suggest that smugglers operating from Canada are still actively using TikTok to promote their services. Despite increased deportations and awareness campaigns, the enduring appeal of migration to the U.S. continues to motivate people to take risks. Combating this issue requires coordinated action at multiple levels.

First, social media companies like TikTok must engage actively with enforcement agencies to monitor, track, and remove content promoting illegal migration. While banning accounts may not solve the issue entirely, it is a step toward disrupting smuggling networks’ ability to reach vulnerable audiences. Additionally, countries like the U.S. and Canada need to strengthen bilateral efforts targeting these cross-border operations.

Second, governments must address the root causes driving people to seek illegal migration, particularly in origin countries like India. Investments in education, job creation, and economic stability can offer an alternative to the risky paths promoted by smugglers. Empowering young people with viable options within their home regions can significantly reduce the demand for human smuggling services.

Lastly, continued public awareness campaigns like the CBP’s “Say No to the Coyote” program are essential to inform individuals about the reality of illegal migration and the risks associated with it. By delivering these messages digitally, they can reach those most likely to fall victim to smugglers’ tactics.

Conclusion

The exploitation of TikTok by coyotes for smuggling Indian migrants across the U.S.-Canada border showcases how human smugglers are evolving their methods. Despite enforcement efforts, platforms like TikTok remain powerful tools for these networks, allowing them to target a broader audience. As deportations continue and political debates unfold in India, addressing this complex issue demands collaboration between governments, law enforcement, and tech companies.

While the deportations might serve as a deterrent for some, others are undeterred, relying heavily on promises made online by smugglers. Comprehensive strategies—ranging from digital platform regulation to root-cause mitigation in origin countries—are necessary to counter this growing problem. For additional information on U.S. immigration procedures and the roles of CBP, visit the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website here.

Learn Today

Coyotes → Term used for smugglers who illicitly assist migrants in crossing international borders, often exploiting their vulnerability.
Irregular Migration → Movement across borders without proper authorization or documentation, typically violating immigration laws.
Deportation → The official removal of a foreign individual from a country due to a violation of immigration laws or policies.
Donkey Routes → Informal term for dangerous and unauthorized migration pathways often used by human smugglers.
CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection) → U.S. federal agency responsible for managing international border security and enforcing immigration regulations.

This Article in a Nutshell

TikTok has become a surprising tool for human smugglers, or “coyotes,” luring Indian migrants with promises of “100% safe” U.S.-Canada border crossings. Charging up to $5,000, ads target vulnerable individuals chasing better lives. However, these illegal journeys often end in exploitation and deportation, underscoring the urgent need for stronger global collaboration and awareness.
— By VisaVerge.com