An Indian migrant who survived a deadly trek across the Canada-U.S. border in blizzard conditions is set to testify in the federal trial of two men accused of participating in a human smuggling scheme that resulted in the tragic deaths of a family of four.
Prosecutors claim that Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, a 29-year-old Indian national, and Steve Shand, aged 50, prioritized financial gain over human life by attempting to smuggle Indian migrants into Minnesota over a five-week period. Patel allegedly ran part of the smuggling operation and enlisted Shand as a driver. Both men have pleaded not guilty to four federal charges related to human smuggling.
The family of four, including Jagdish Patel, his wife Vaishaliben, their 11-year-old daughter Vihangi, and 3-year-old son Dharmik, tragically froze to death on January 19, 2022, after wandering in heavy snow and extreme cold conditions. Shand, waiting in a truck for 11 migrants, including the family, faced wind chills as low as minus 36 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yash Patel, expected to testify, was one of two individuals who reached Shand on the U.S. side of the border and was subsequently arrested by border patrol officers. Notably, the victims were not related to Harshkumar Patel.
Prosecutors argue that Shand and Harshkumar Patel knowingly proceeded with the smuggling plan despite severe winter weather conditions. The migrants were left in a remote area of the Canadian border far from a legal entry point.
Attorneys for the defendants have presented differing arguments. Harshkumar Patel's lawyer asserts his innocence, emphasizing the lack of evidence linking him to the smuggling conspiracy. Shand's attorney contends that he was unwittingly involved and manipulated by Patel and the smuggling network.
The trial jury, comprising eight men and six women with two alternates, was seated on Monday. Prosecutors intend to present photos of the deceased family as evidence, despite objections from defense attorneys.
According to court documents, Patel and Shand were part of an international criminal network that facilitated the illegal entry of Indian migrants into the U.S. Prosecutors allege that Patel paid Shand approximately $25,000 for five smuggling trips.
The case sheds light on the broader issue of human smuggling across the Canadian border, with thousands of Indians being apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol annually. The Pew Research Center estimates a significant number of Indian nationals residing illegally in the U.S.
Documents reveal that Harshkumar Patel was in the U.S. unlawfully after multiple visa rejections and recruited Shand in Florida for the smuggling operation. Communication between the defendants indicated awareness of harsh weather conditions during the smuggling trips.
The trial continues as prosecutors seek to hold Patel and Shand accountable for their alleged roles in the fatal human smuggling scheme.
