MASSENA, N.Y. – U.S. Border Patrol agents of the Massena Border Patrol Station arrested three individuals in connection with a failed human smuggling attempt on Friday, Jan. 24.
Border Patrol agents confirmed that two passengers of a vehicle that was stopped on State Route 37 were citizens of India who entered the United States illegally and not at a designated port of entry. Both passengers were transported to the Border Patrol Station for processing. One individual was charged with Improper Entry by Alien in violation of 8 USC 1325, and the other 8 USC 1326 re-entry of Removed Aliens.
The driver and third occupant of the vehicle was was charged with Alien Smuggling in violation of 8 USC 1324. The driver was a citizen of India who originally entered into the U.S. illegally in 2012 and was ordered removed from the country in absentia on Dec. 17, 2019. Alien smuggling is a felony that involves a fine and up to five years in prison for each violation.
“The quick response by Massena Border Patrol Agents resulted in the apprehension of several individuals who entered the United States illegally,” said Glen Pickering, Massena Station Deputy Patrol Agent, in a press release. “These apprehensions are another great example of the hard work Border Patrol Agents do every day to make our communities safer and secure our nation’s border.”
The Swanton Sector is responsible for securing the land border between ports of entry in V.T., N.H. and northeastern N.Y. Any suspicious activity in these regions is asked to call 1-800-689-3362.
“The coordination with assistance of citizens is invaluable to the Border Patrol’s border security mission and we welcome community members’ help to keep our nation’s borders safe…individuals referred for criminal prosecution are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” read a statement in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection press release.
