For years, migration from Gujarat to the US has been driven by the promise of opportunity. But a new list released by the US Department of Homeland Security has drawn attention to a troubling dimension of that journey.
The data is likely to leave many Gujaratis red-faced.
Twenty-one Gujaratis have been named in the database of what American authorities called the “worst of the worst” criminal aliens.
Of the 21 Gujaratis named, most are from districts in north and central Gujarat.
The profiles, according to a report, suggest organised financial crime rather than isolated violations. Several individuals, including Avi Patel, Brijeshkumar Patel and Sagarkumar Patel, were reportedly convicted in money laundering or fraud cases in states such as Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Kentucky.
Investigators believe such crimes often function through networks that exploit immigration loopholes, forged identities and mule accounts to move illicit funds.
The report mentions that 15 of them were involved in money laundering, fraud, identity theft and other financial crimes. Many of these offences allegedly targeted elderly US citizens. Two individuals face convictions for sexual offences involving minors. Others are booked for drug trafficking, domestic violence, robbery and dealing in stolen property.
More serious cases relate to sexual offences. Bhaveshkumar Shukla, Hardikkumar Patel, Mayurkumar Patel and Chintan Bhojak are allegedly among those convicted of sexual assault or online exploitation and enticement of minors. DHS has flagged such cases as high priority for deportation due to public safety concerns.
Drug-related convictions also appear on the list. Nileshkumar Patel is reportedly booked for drug trafficking. Dilip Patel was allegedly convicted for cocaine possession and disorderly conduct. Others were convicted for receiving or dealing in stolen property across multiple US states, indicating movement between jurisdictions.
For Gujarat, the list is a sobering reminder that illegal migration is not limited to economic distress or dangerous border crossings. Experts have been quoted as saying that it shows how undocumented migrants can become vulnerable. So much so that they can participate in organised criminal activities.
The country-wise database was released on February 7. It lists 89 Indian nationals arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Gujaratis account for nearly 25 per cent of the total. Officials said the list is part of intensified enforcement by the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to deport illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes.
Law enforcement sources said elderly citizens are frequent targets in fraud cases. These cases include phone scams, false statements, identity theft and mail fraud. A US official said in a statement accompanying the list that these offences were not opportunistic and involved planning, coordination and repeat targeting.
The DHS database states that under its current leadership, ICE is carrying out mass deportations starting with the “worst of the worst”. It says this is in line with the US administration’s stated commitment to strict immigration enforcement.
Central agency officials revealed that the development could lead to closer scrutiny of human smuggling routes, forged documents and money trails linking the US and India.
Also Read: Fake Degrees, Real Charges: City Crime Branch Cracks US H-1B Visa Fraud Case https://www.vibesofindia.com/fake-degrees-real-charges-city-crime-branch-cracks-us-h-1b-visa-fraud-case/
