Border Patrol agents apprehended Nitish Kaushal, a fugitive on the FBI’s Most Wanted List, near the U.S.-Canada border in Alburgh, Vermont, on July 16. The FBI has since assumed custody of Kaushal for further investigation and prosecution.
The incident began around 2 a.m. when agents from the Swanton Sector discovered an abandoned vehicle blocking Blair Road in Alburgh. The vehicle was registered in New York and located near the border, raising concerns about possible cross-border activity and public safety. Border Patrol contacted Vermont State Police, who responded to arrange towing and storage of the vehicle to ensure road safety.
At approximately 6:30 a.m., Border Patrol received a report from a resident about an individual attempting to break into their home on Blair Road. Agents arrived by 7 a.m., where they encountered and detained Nitish Kaushal, a 26-year-old male from India. A records check revealed that Kaushal was subject to an active Notice to Appear (Alternatives to Detention) from 2022 and had an outstanding FBI warrant issued out of Los Angeles for kidnapping. He had been added to the FBI’s Most Wanted List on July 15.
Further investigation showed that Kaushal had a criminal history including charges of murder and criminal conspiracy, as well as a felony conviction for sale and possession of a high-capacity magazine in Sacramento, California. For that conviction he served 60 days in jail with 24 months probation. Upon apprehension he was found with suspected narcotics pending laboratory testing and was transported for treatment of a possible leg injury before being transferred into FBI custody.
“Border security is national security, and the safety of our communities depends on the vigilance and cooperation of the public,” said Acting Chief Border Patrol Agent Richard J. Fortunato of Swanton Sector. “We encourage everyone—if you see something, say something. The public’s alertness and quick reporting played a critical role in this case.”
Officials said interagency coordination between Border Patrol, Vermont State Police, and the FBI ensured swift response while minimizing risk to residents during this incident involving one of America’s most wanted fugitives.