Highlights:
- Aryan Deshwal pleaded guilty to one conspiracy and five smuggling charges.
- Incident occurred on November 21, 2024, near the US-Canada border.
- Deshwal’s vehicle crashed, rolled over, and caught fire during a police chase.
- One passenger required emergency surgery following the crash.
- Sentencing scheduled for December 16, 2025; minimum 5 years, maximum 15 years.
A 21-year-old Indian national, Aryan Deshwal, has pleaded guilty to serious federal charges in the United States, including conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and five counts of alien smuggling. The plea comes after Deshwal’s involvement in a failed and dangerous attempt to transport undocumented migrants across the US-Canada border, according to a statement announced by Acting US Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the US Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector on August 19.
Risky smuggling operation unfolds
Court documents reveal the incident occurred on November 21, 2024, when Deshwal picked up five individuals who had illegally entered the US from Canada. As US Border Patrol agents attempted to stop the vehicle, Deshwal attempted to escape, resulting in a high-speed pursuit. The chase took a dramatic turn when Deshwal lost control of his vehicle. The car rolled over several times, landed on its side, and ultimately caught fire.
Emergency services rushed all occupants, including Deshwal, to a hospital in Plattsburgh, New York. One passenger’s injuries were so severe that immediate emergency surgery was required.
Authorities condemn reckless actions
Officials have strongly condemned the incident as an example of the grave risks associated with human smuggling networks. “This case illustrates the dangers of alien smuggling and how smuggling networks put people and federal agents in harm’s way for profit,” said Acting US Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “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.”
Raymond Bresnahan, Patrol Agent in Charge at the Champlain Border Patrol Station, echoed these sentiments: “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."
Awaiting sentencing
Aryan Deshwal is scheduled for sentencing on December 16, 2025. He now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of up to 15 years in federal prison. The ultimate penalty will be determined by a judge in accordance with relevant statutes and US Sentencing Guidelines.
The investigation was conducted by the US Border Patrol, with prosecution led by Assistant US Attorney Douglas Collyer. The case highlights the ongoing battle against human smuggling networks operating along the US-Canada border and the severe consequences for those involved.
