A Mexican man has pleaded guilty to smuggling people into the U.S. after sneaking across the northern border himself.
Federal prosecutors say 40-year-old Jose Rodriguez Barajas helped three people enter the country illegally from Canada and hid them in the woods near the border on March 14.
Rodriguez Barajas admitted he expected to be paid for the job and was planning to move the migrants further into the U.S. He now faces at least five years—and up to 15 years—in federal prison when he’s sentenced on December 23.
Authorities say Rodriguez Barajas is also in the country illegally and could face deportation.
“This administration… is committed to fully enforcing the immigration laws of this country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney John Sarcone. “If you smuggle aliens through our Northern Border, you will be caught.”
Border Patrol Chief Robert Garcia called Rodriguez Barajas’ actions a threat to national security and said the agency remains focused on breaking up smuggling networks.
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