Alien Smuggling

A Cautionary Tale: The Dangers of Alien Smuggling 

When you hear "alien smuggling," you might imagine a dramatic movie plot, but it's a very real crime with very serious consequences. A recent case out of Albany, New York, serves as a powerful reminder of just how dangerous this illegal activity is for everyone involved—the people being smuggled, the smugglers themselves, and even law enforcement.

What is Alien Smuggling? 

The term "alien smuggling" refers to the federal crime of helping someone illegally enter or stay in the United States. While it can involve bringing people across borders, it also includes other activities like transporting, harboring (or hiding), or encouraging a person to enter the country unlawfully. Essentially, anyone who knowingly assists in the process of illegal immigration can be charged.

The law is clear that you don't have to be part of a large criminal organization or be making a profit to be held accountable. Simply knowing that the person you're helping doesn't have legal permission to be in the U.S. is enough for a conviction.

The Case: A High-Speed Chase Ends in Disaster 

In this particular case, a 21-year-old man from India, Aryan Deshwal, admitted to picking up five individuals who had just illegally crossed the border from Canada into the United States. When a Border Patrol agent tried to stop his vehicle, Deshwal panicked and sped off. The chase ended in a violent crash. The car rolled over, caught fire, and everyone inside was injured. One person required emergency surgery.

This incident perfectly illustrates the inherent risks of this crime. People pay smugglers with the hope of a better life, but they're often put in harm's way by people who prioritize money and their own freedom over the safety of those they're helping.

The Punishment: Why the Law is So Strict 

Alien smuggling is a federal crime, and the penalties reflect its seriousness. In Deshwal's case, he pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and five counts of alien smuggling. He's facing a prison sentence of at least 5 years and up to 15 years.

The reason for such harsh sentences is because the crime is often a gateway to other criminal activity and, as seen here, puts lives at risk. The law has specific penalty enhancements for situations that result in serious injury, such as the one sustained by one of the passengers in the car crash. These enhancements can significantly increase the prison time a defendant faces. When a smuggling incident results in death, the punishment can even be life in prison.