Israel Enden, Bringing an Alien to the U.S., New York 2026

Israeli Man Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Alien into U.S.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Israel Enden, 46, a citizen of Israel, has pleaded guilty to bringing an alien to the United States, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000.

Enden, a dual citizen born in the United States and physically residing in the State of Israel, was driving a vehicle bearing Canadian license plates at primary inspection at the Rainbow Bridge Port of Entry early in the morning hours of January 8, 2026. He was referred for secondary inspection after failing to produce any rental agreement for the vehicle.

During secondary inspection, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers opened the rear hatch of the vehicle and observed a large male, later identified as Elazar Wigdorowitz, hiding beneath some suitcases. Subsequent investigation determined that Enden, Wigdorowitz, and a third person flew from Warsaw, Poland to Toronto, Canada together the previous day on January 7, 2026.

Elazar Wigdorowitz was previously convicted of improper entry by an alien, sentenced to time served and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the justice system to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan W. Fitzgerald and Maeve E. Huggins. The plea is the result of an investigation by Customs and Border Protection under the direction of Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy and Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 1, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. before Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo. Enden’s plea marks a significant milestone in the fight against human trafficking and smuggling in the United States.

According to the plea agreement, Enden knew that Elazar Wigdorowitz was an alien and had not received prior official authorization to enter the United States.

The maximum penalty for bringing an alien to the United States is 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

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