Two men have been sentenced in Minnesota for their involvement in an international human smuggling conspiracy that led to the deaths of four Indian nationals, including two children, during a blizzard. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick announced the sentencing.
“Every time I think about this case I think about this family—including two beautiful little children—who the defendants left to freeze to death in a blizzard,” said Kirkpatrick. “As we’ve seen time and time again, human traffickers care nothing for humanity.”
Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, 29, received a 121-month prison sentence for his role in the operation. The court did not impose supervised release due to the likelihood of deportation after his sentence. His co-conspirator, Steve Anthony Shand, 50, was sentenced to 78 months followed by two years of supervised release.
The operation involved smuggling Indian nationals into Canada with fake student visas and then moving them across the U.S.-Canada border. Patel coordinated movements from Manitoba into the United States while Shand transported them further south.
In January 2022, amid severe winter conditions, they attempted to smuggle 11 individuals into the U.S., but their van got stuck in snow. This forced the migrants to walk for hours in extreme cold. Two found Shand's van; others were stranded until located by authorities. A family of four perished from hypothermia during this ordeal.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations St. Paul Special Agent Jamie Holt stated: “Today’s sentencing marks a crucial moment of accountability... The callous disregard for life that led to the tragic deaths... will not be forgotten.”
A federal jury convicted both men on multiple charges related to alien smuggling and endangerment in November 2024.
“This case is a tragic reminder of the dangers of Human Smuggling,” said Ryan Gilberg of U.S. Border Patrol.
U.S. District Court Judge John R. Tunheim emphasized the severity of border smuggling and noted that actions could have prevented these deaths.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations with support from Canadian authorities and various Justice Department sections as part of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA aims to dismantle transnational criminal organizations involved in human trafficking across borders.
Operation Take Back America also played a role in this case as part of broader efforts against illegal immigration and organized crime impacting community safety.
Acting United States Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick represented the government at sentencing hearings.
