U.S. Border Patrol arrests illegal alien from India — Community member’s tip leads to capture

Akwesasne Resident’s Tip leads to Border Patrol’s Arrest of an Illegal Alien from India

U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents arrested an illegal alien from India on Tuesday following a tip from an Akwesasne resident to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police (SRMTP).

According to a press release from the USBP, a concerned Akwesasne community member called the SRMTP to report a suspicious man walking near the Bingo Palace along New York State Route 37 near the international border. SRMTP responded and encountered the man, who he suspected of being neither a U.S. nor Canadian citizen or lawful resident. The SRMTP transported him to the police station and notified the U.S. Border Patrol.

U.S. Border Patrol agents interviewed Gurtej Singh, 19, who was unable to produce any immigration documents that would allow him to enter or be present in the United States. The agents arrested Singh and transported him to the Massena Border Patrol Station. Record checks revealed that Singh has no immigration or criminal history in the United States.

The charges and allegations contained in criminal complaints are merely accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York will criminally prosecute Singh under 8 USC 1325, Improper Entry by Alien. Singh faces up to six months in prison, a $5,000 fine and removal from the United States.

“We can’t be everywhere and need the Akwesasne community’s help to keep our people safe,” noted Tribal Chief of Police Matthew Rourke. “Being vigilant and asking community members to call tribal police or Border Patrol when they notice suspicious activity continues to be an important part of our law enforcement capabilities.”

“This is a great example of our integration with our state, local and tribal law enforcement partners,” said USBP Patrol Agent in Charge Wade A. Laughman. “The quick response of the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Police kept this illegal alien from successfully entering the United States without proper immigration inspection.”

U.S. Border Patrol agents patrol the U.S. northern border along the Saint Lawrence River near Massena, N.Y. The Border Patrol uses all types of vehicles, including vessels, aircraft, horseback, and on- and off-road vehicles to secure our nation’s borders.

“The Swanton, Vt. Border Patrol Sector thanks and appreciates the concerned local resident for reporting this incident,” said Chief Patrol Agent John Pfeifer. “Your assistance is invaluable to our border security mission. We welcome other community members to help us keep our nation’s borders safe.”

The Border Patrol encourages residents to report suspicious activity in the border area to the U.S. Border Patrol at 1-800-689-3362.

By ATV Staff

Source: U.S. Border Patrol