Aryan Deshwal, a 21-year-old citizen of India, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and five counts of alien smuggling. The plea was entered in Albany, New York, according to an announcement by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector.
Deshwal admitted that on November 21, 2024, he picked up five individuals who had crossed illegally into the United States from Canada. When Border Patrol agents attempted to stop his vehicle, Deshwal sped away. Agents continued pursuit but slowed down for safety reasons. Shortly after, Deshwal lost control of his vehicle near Plattsburgh, New York; the car rolled several times before landing on its side and catching fire. All occupants were transported to a local hospital, with one passenger requiring emergency surgery due to injuries sustained in the crash.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said: “This case illustrates the dangers of alien smuggling, and how smuggling networks put people and federal agents in harm’s way for profit. Aryan Deshwal endangered the lives of the illegal aliens he picked up, the Border Patrol agents who were trying to stop him, and other people on the road. Thankfully, he was arrested, prosecuted and will be held accountable for his crimes.”
Patrol Agent in Charge Raymond Bresnahan of the Champlain Border Patrol Station commented: “This reckless act underscores the very real dangers of human smuggling and epitomizes the fact that smugglers do not care about the countless lives they put at risk in order to make a quick profit. Thankfully our agents were nearby to render emergency aid to the victims of this harrowing event.”
Deshwal is scheduled for sentencing on December 16, 2025. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and could receive up to fifteen years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on statutory requirements as well as consideration of U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer is prosecuting the case.
