Nicolas Tamayo, Alien Smuggling, New York 2023

Alien Smuggling Ring Busted in Plattsburgh

Nicolas Tamayo, age 19, and Francisco Santos-Luna, age 23, both of Providence, Rhode Island, were arrested on August 29 in Plattsburgh for alien smuggling.

The charges against Tamayo and Santos-Luna carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a post imprisonment term of supervised release of up to 3 years.

The arrest is the result of an investigation by Border Patrol and the prosecution by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.

According to the criminal complaints, a Border Patrol Agent observed a vehicle traveling east on New York State Route 11 near Chateaugay, New York, close to the border, at approximately 5:10 a.m. on August 29.

The agent followed the vehicle until it pulled into a gas station and parked alongside a gas pump on New York State Route 3 in Plattsburgh. A Border Patrol Agent then pulled into the station parking lot and made contact with the occupants of the vehicle.

The agent quickly established that the driver and registered owner of the car was Tamayo and that the passengers were five illegal aliens who had illegally crossed the border, near Chateaugay, earlier that morning.

A second smuggler, Francisco Santos-Luna, was found and arrested on August 29 at a Plattsburgh motel.

The four Romanian citizens and one Irish citizen who were smuggled into the country are each charged with the misdemeanor crime of illegal entry.

The case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and alien smuggling in the region.

Nicolas Tamayo, 19, of Providence, Rhode Island, and Francisco Santos-Luna, 23, of Providence, Rhode Island, are facing alien smuggling charges. The charges against them carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and a post imprisonment term of supervised release of up to 3 years.

This case is being investigated by Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.

The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndny/pr/rhode-island-men-arrested-alien-smuggling