U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross announced that Olesia Sumina, a 43-year-old Russian national, has pleaded guilty to resisting a federal immigration officer. The plea was entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge McCarthy, and Sumina was sentenced to time served.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew J. Henning provided details of the incident, which occurred on October 9, 2024. Sumina traveled to Canada with her two children seeking asylum but was denied by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). Subsequently, CBSA transported her to the Peace Bridge Point of Entry in Buffalo, New York.
During transport, CBSA officers reported that Sumina became difficult and spat inside their vehicle. Upon arrival at the border crossing, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers attempted to interview her using a language translation application but were unsuccessful due to her uncooperative behavior.
Sumina also refused to provide personal information during the interview process. When CBP officers tried to access her cellular phone for further information, she grabbed it and put it in her pocket. As officers attempted to retrieve the phone, she became aggressive and resisted multiple commands from them.
The investigation leading to Sumina's plea and sentencing was conducted by Customs and Border Protection under Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy and Homeland Security Investigations led by Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.