Miguel Rodriguez, a 36-year-old resident of the Bronx, New York, has entered a guilty plea for charges related to high-speed flight from an immigration checkpoint and illegal possession of ammunition. The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Erin Keegan, Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Ogdensburg Port of Entry Director Thomas Trimboli.
The incident occurred on January 20, 2025, when Rodriguez arrived at the U.S. Customs Port of Entry in Ogdensburg, New York, from Canada in a red Infinity sedan. Instead of stopping for inspection as required, he sped away. Law enforcement officials later located him driving the same vehicle in Ogdensburg. When a St. Lawrence County Sheriff's Deputy attempted to stop him, Rodriguez led officers on a high-speed chase that concluded with his vehicle colliding with a pickup truck occupied by three people and subsequently crashing into a residence in Ogdensburg. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
A search conducted on Rodriguez's vehicle revealed a handgun magazine containing four 9mm bullets. Due to a prior felony conviction for assault, Rodriguez was prohibited from possessing any ammunition.
Rodriguez is scheduled for sentencing on July 17, 2025. He faces up to 15 years in prison for ammunition possession and up to five years for fleeing from the port of entry. Additionally, he could be fined up to $250,000 and face supervised release for up to three years. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on applicable statutes and guidelines.
The case was investigated by HSI and CBP and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
