Rajinder Singh, a 51-year-old Indian national, admitted in court to smuggling more than 500 Indian migrants across the U.S.-Canada border over a four-year period. Despite earning over $400,000 through his role in the operation, Singh will be allowed to remain in the United States and receive a work permit in exchange for testifying against other alleged smugglers.
Singh testified in Minnesota last week against Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, 29, and Steve Shand, 50, who prosecutors allege were key players in the smuggling ring. Patel is accused of coordinating the operation, while Shand reportedly transported migrants across the Canadian border into Minnesota. Migrants reportedly paid up to $100,000 each to move from the Gujarat state in India through Canada and into the U.S.
Although Singh had been deported three times after entering the U.S. illegally, he claimed he testified to “do the right thing.” Defense attorneys questioned Singh’s motives, arguing that his testimony was intended to avoid another deportation. Prosecutors have deferred Singh’s deportation and granted him permission to work in the U.S.
Initially, the smuggling network crossed migrants from British Columbia into Washington state. However, in 2021, the route shifted to Minnesota. This change allegedly led to the tragic deaths of four Indian migrants in January 2022, who froze to death in severe weather while attempting to cross the border. The victims included Jagdish Patel, 39; his wife Vaishaliben, in her mid-30s; their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi; and 3-year-old son, Dharmik.
Singh recounted receiving a distressed call from an associate informing him of the failed crossing. “Our work got screwed up. People got caught,” Singh was told. He later learned of the family’s deaths and criticized the smugglers, stating, “They are playing with people’s lives. People died.”
The case highlights the dangers and exploitation involved in human smuggling networks, which continue to place vulnerable migrants at severe risk.
Sources:
- Associated Press
- Federal court proceedings
