Rhode Island Men Busted for Alien Smuggling

Alien Smuggling Case Rocks Plattsburgh

Nicolas Tamayo, 19, and Francisco Santos-Luna, 23, both of Providence, Rhode Island, have been charged with alien smuggling after a series of events unfolded on August 29 in Plattsburgh, New York.

According to a complaint filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan, Tamayo and Santos-Luna were arrested after a Border Patrol Agent observed a vehicle traveling east on New York State Route 11 near Chateaugay, New York, around 5:10 a.m. The agent followed the vehicle until it pulled into a gas station in Plattsburgh, where a second smuggler was found and arrested.

Five illegal aliens, four Romanian citizens and one Irish citizen, were found in the vehicle, which had illegally crossed the border near Chateaugay earlier that morning. Santos-Luna was discovered at a Plattsburgh motel and taken into custody.

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 illegal aliens are each facing misdemeanor charges for illegal entry.

U.S. Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Acting Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia made the announcement, praising the efforts of Border Patrol and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in bringing these serious charges to light.

Tamayo and Santos-Luna are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and their cases are being investigated by Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors will be taken into account when determining their sentence. This case serves as a reminder of the severity of human trafficking and the importance of maintaining a secure border.