A Brooklyn resident, aged 27, has confessed to his involvement in an attempt to smuggle nine individuals into the United States in 2023. The man is also subject to a fine that could reach up to $250,000.
In an update regarding the case, Robert Garcia, Chief at U.S. Border Patrol stated, "The driver has pleaded guilty to attempted human smuggling near Pittsburg, New Hampshire & faces up to 5 years in prison. This case exemplifies the hard work and dedication Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents exhibit every day." Garcia further lauded the agents' efforts by saying, "Excellent work by our Border Patrol Agents in New Hampshire for intercepting a human smuggling attempt involving 9 adults from Mexico and Guatemala."
As per a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Hampshire, Abraham Hernandez admitted guilt on three counts of human smuggling. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jane E. Young on January 17th. Hernandez is scheduled for sentencing on April 19th by U.S. District Court Judge Samantha Elliott following his indictment on July 5th, 2023.
According to the press release, Hernandez was apprehended during a traffic stop while driving a Honda SUV with nine unauthorized immigrants onboard on June 13th, 2023. He now faces potential imprisonment of up to five years and up to three years of supervised release post-incarceration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Ward is handling the prosecution of this case which was investigated by the Border Patrol.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police had tipped off the U.S. Border Patrol about individuals carrying backpacks heading southbound from Canada towards Halls Stream Road in Pittsburg, New Hampshire as per the release information. Following this tip-off, law enforcement halted Hernandez who was transporting these unauthorized immigrants in his SUV.
In March of 2022 as well there was a similar incident when Border Patrol agents from the Champlain Border Patrol Station arrested seven individuals on charges of human smuggling as per a Customs and Border Protection news release. Two Honduran nationals were charged with human smuggling of five migrants after the New York State Police received a tip from the Swanton Sector’s Communication Center. The five migrants were subsequently expelled back to Canada and the suspects were arrested on charges of human smuggling.
