U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest of Saima Qamar, a 55-year-old Canadian citizen and Pakistan native, who has been charged with re-entry of a removed alien. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith stated that Qamar was detained by the Lewiston Police Department, which sought assistance from U.S. Border Patrol to identify her. A records check revealed that Qamar was illegally present in the United States after being removed in April 2019.
Qamar appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was detained following her initial court appearance.
The investigation is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration and combating transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) while protecting communities from violent crime.
The complaint resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol Niagara Falls Station under the direction of Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikal.
It is important to note that being charged with a crime is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
