UTICA, NEW YORK - Jaswinder Singh, age 30, and a citizen of India who most recently resided in Philadelphia, was sentenced today to 12 months in prison for knowingly transporting illegal aliens within the United States for the purpose of financial gain.
The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Robert N. Garcia, Chief Patrol Agent, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.
Singh, who worked as an Uber driver, admitted that between Jan. 1, 2019 and May 20, 2019, he picked up several aliens whom he knew had crossed illegally into the United States and transported them into the interior of the United States, in exchange for payment. On May 20, 2019, the day he was arrested for this offense, Singh drove to a location in St. Lawrence County, New York, to pick up two aliens - including a child - who had illegally crossed into the United States from Canada. The aliens paid Singh $2,200 after he picked them up.
Singh, who previously sought and received asylum in the United States, faces possible deportation as a result of this offense. United States District Judge David N. Hurd imposed a 2-year term of supervised release to begin after Singh is released from prison, in the event that Singh is not deported.
This case was investigated by the United States Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael F. Perry.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
