Aryan Deshwal, a 21-year-old citizen of India, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and five counts of alien smuggling in federal court. The plea was announced by Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector.
According to court records, on November 21, 2024, Deshwal picked up five individuals who had crossed illegally into the United States from Canada. When Border Patrol agents attempted to stop his vehicle, Deshwal fled at high speed. Agents followed but reduced their pursuit for safety reasons. Shortly after, Deshwal lost control of his car, which rolled several times before coming to rest on its side and catching fire. All occupants were transported to a hospital in Plattsburgh, New York; one passenger required emergency surgery due to injuries.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III said, “This case illustrates the dangers of alien smuggling, and how smuggling networks put people and federal agents in harm’s way for profit. 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.”
Patrol Agent in Charge Raymond Bresnahan of the Champlain Border Patrol Station added, “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 of this harrowing event.”
Deshwal is scheduled for sentencing on December 16, 2025. He faces a minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of fifteen years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a judge based on applicable statutes and guidelines.
The case was investigated by Border Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer.
