Two men have been sentenced in the District of Minnesota for their involvement in an international human smuggling conspiracy that led to the deaths of four Indian nationals during a blizzard. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick announced the sentences today.
Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, 29, received a 121-month prison sentence without supervised release due to the likelihood of deportation post-sentence. Steve Anthony Shand, 50, was sentenced to 78 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick commented on the case: “Every time I think about this case I think about this family—including two beautiful little children—who the defendants left to freeze to death in a blizzard.” She added that human traffickers disregard humanity and praised law enforcement for holding these individuals accountable.
Jamie Holt, ICE Homeland Security Investigations St. Paul Special Agent in charge, stated: “Today’s sentencing marks a crucial moment of accountability in a case that revealed the harrowing realities of human smuggling.”
The operation involved using fake student visas to bring Indian nationals into Canada before illegally moving them across the U.S.-Canada border. Evidence showed Patel coordinated movements from Manitoba into the United States while Shand transported them further south.
In January 2022, during severe winter conditions, Shand’s van became stuck while attempting to smuggle 11 aliens into the United States from Canada. The migrants were forced to travel on foot for hours in extreme cold conditions. Two migrants found Shand’s van; others did not survive.
A passerby helped free Shand’s van from a ditch before authorities arrived and suspected alien smuggling activity. Five additional aliens were located; one required airlifting due to severe hypothermia. Meanwhile, Canadian authorities discovered a family of four who died from hypothermia after separating from the group.
Special Operations Supervisor Ryan Gilberg emphasized: “This case is a tragic reminder of the dangers of Human Smuggling… The victims experienced the worst-case scenario firsthand; horrific conditions, injury, and death.”
U.S. District Court Judge John R. Tunheim remarked on the seriousness of border smuggling and its exploitation of victims when imposing sentences on Patel and Shand.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from Canadian authorities and other partners as part of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA aims to dismantle human smuggling networks impacting public safety along borders through coordinated efforts among various agencies.
Operation Take Back America also supported this initiative by utilizing resources from different task forces within the Department of Justice aimed at eliminating illegal immigration-related crimes.
The prosecution was handled by both local and federal entities including representatives like Acting United States Attorney Lisa D Kirkpatrick who represented government interests during sentencing hearings.
