Four Mexican nationals have been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice for allegedly operating a human smuggling ring that transported people from Mexico into Canada and then across the border into northern New York.
According to a Justice Department release, the individuals charged thousands of dollars for each crossing, putting migrants at risk while attempting to evade detection. The accused reportedly led law enforcement on multiple high-speed chases near the Canada–U.S. border.
Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, condemned the operation, stating the smugglers made migrants film testimonial videos praising their services, all while endangering lives for profit.
The four accused — Edgar Sanchez-Solis, Ignacio Diaz-Perez, Samuel Diaz-Perez, and Salvador Diaz-Diaz — now face one count of conspiracy to bring individuals into the U.S. illegally and 25 counts of doing so for financial gain.
Authorities confirmed that two of the men were apprehended within the U.S., while the other two were removed from the country.