A Mexican citizen, caught trying to smuggle a family into the US by crossing the Niagara River from Ontario onto Grand Island this past weekend, is now facing federal charges, according to U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo.
Andres Carrillo-Hernandez, 27, a citizen of Mexico, was taken into custody on Sunday after Buffalo Border Patrol agents received information regarding possible alien smuggling along the Niagara River. Agents were told that several people, including two adult males and an adult female carrying a small child, were spotted on an infrared camera inflating a raft on the Canadian shoreline at Boyers Creek.
With the raft in the water, Border Patrol agents proceeded toward the possible landing site near a residence on West River Road in Grand Island. The raft was located, and the raft driver, later identified as Carrillo-Hernandez, was taken into custody for illegally entering the U.S. and suspected alien smuggling. Agents, who then heard a child crying, discovered another adult male, an adult female, and an infant child. The adult male and female were also arrested for illegal entry into the United States.
Carrillo-Hernandez admitted to federal agents that he was paid approximately $2,000 to transport the two adults and child, via raft, from the Canadian shoreline to the United States. Subsequent investigation determined that Carrillo-Hernandez and the three individuals smuggled across the river had not applied for or received any authorization or approval to enter the United States.
Carrillo-Hernandez was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with alien smuggling, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of three years in prison and a maximum of 10 years.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan W. Fitzgerald and Evan K. Glaberson, who are handling the case, said Carrillo-Hernandez made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was held pending a detention hearing on Tuesday.
The U.S. Border Patrol investigation was conducted under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato.