A federal grand jury has charged 22-year-old Shivam Lnu, an Indian national, with smuggling a dozen undocumented immigrants from Canada into the United States. The case is a significant instance of human trafficking at a time when border security and illegal immigration are critical concerns in many regions of the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) states that Lnu allegedly directed and coordinated a human trafficking operation over several months, specifically between January and June 2025. The operation was allegedly responsible for the transportation of Indian nationals across the U.S.-Canada border into Clinton County, New York.
On January 26, 2025, U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to intercept two vehicles that were traveling close together near the border. When the agents signaled for the drivers to stop, both vehicles reportedly refused to comply and accelerated to evade capture, prompting a pursuit. According to the DOJ, one vehicle lost control and went off the road, leading to its immobilization, while the second vehicle was later intercepted in Mooers, New York.
The DOJ confirmed that both vehicles contained a total of 12 undocumented immigrants at the time of the arrest. A significant piece of evidence in the case emerged from WhatsApp messages found between one of the drivers and a phone number allegedly linked to Shivam Lnu. Investigators claimed these messages demonstrated a coordinated effort to smuggle undocumented individuals across the border on numerous occasions.
Shivam Lnu faces serious legal consequences as he has been charged with one count of conspiracy to illegally transport aliens and four counts of illegally bringing aliens to the U.S. for personal financial gain. If convicted on all counts, he is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a maximum of 15 years in prison.
This case highlights ongoing challenges related to border security and illegal immigration in the U.S. as authorities continue to crack down on human trafficking operations. Lnu’s charges mark a continuation of efforts by federal law enforcement to address the increasing complexity of smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable individuals seeking a better life.
The DOJ noted that Lnu was initially charged by criminal complaint in June before the grand jury's formal indictment. The complexity and severity of the charges reflect the U.S. government’s commitment to combating human trafficking and ensuring legal compliance with immigration laws.
