A Dominican man convicted of transporting undocumented migrants into the United States has been sentenced to time served—approximately 15 months—by a federal judge in Buffalo.
Luis Davis German Soriano, 32, was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. Vilardo for his role in a smuggling operation that brought migrants across the Niagara River from Canada. Soriano was immediately turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement following the hearing.
According to federal prosecutors, Soriano coordinated with co-defendant Silvestre German Andujar on January 3, 2024, to pick up three individuals who had crossed illegally into the U.S. via a motorized raft piloted by Andujar. The raft traveled from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, to a landing spot in Youngstown, New York.
As U.S. Border Patrol agents responded to the scene, the group scattered. Soriano, who had driven from New Jersey, was seen in the area and stopped by authorities. Although he gave conflicting statements about his presence, he was released—only to later return to the pickup point and collect the migrants and Andujar.
The following day, agents stationed along the Niagara Scenic Parkway spotted Soriano’s van again, this time transporting all four individuals. The vehicle was stopped in Ransomville, New York, and all occupants were taken into custody. Immigration records confirmed none of the passengers were U.S. citizens or nationals.
Andujar, who previously pleaded guilty in the case, is still awaiting sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, and the Lewiston Police Department.
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