Four Mexican nationals residing illegally in the United States have been charged in a massive human smuggling operation that transported hundreds of undocumented immigrants weekly from Canada into northern New York, charging thousands of dollars per person while endangering public safety with reckless evasion tactics.

At a Glance

• Edgar Sanchez-Solis, Ignacio Diaz-Perez, Samuel Diaz-Perez, and Salvador Diaz-Diaz have been charged with conspiracy and 25 counts of bringing aliens illegally for profit
• The operation smuggled hundreds of immigrants weekly from Mexico, Central America, and South America through Canada into the United States
• Smugglers charged immigrants and their families thousands of dollars for their services
• The criminal network has been operating for approximately two years
• Two of the arrested individuals had previously been deported from the United States

International Smuggling Network Dismantled

U.S. law enforcement authorities have uncovered and charged four Mexican nationals in connection with an extensive human smuggling operation that funneled undocumented immigrants from Canada into the United States. The accused individuals – Edgar Sanchez-Solis, Ignacio Diaz-Perez, Samuel Diaz-Perez, and Salvador Diaz-Diaz – allegedly transported hundreds of illegal immigrants weekly across the northern border, primarily into New York state, over the past two years. The operation specifically targeted individuals from Mexico, Central America, and South America, providing them passage into the U.S. for substantial fees.

“These individuals acted in blatant disregard of our nation’s laws, allegedly smuggling hundreds of aliens into the United States for thousands of dollars each.”, said Erin Keegan.

All four defendants have been arrested at various locations throughout the United States. Court documents reveal that at least two of the suspects had previously been deported from the country, highlighting persistent issues in border enforcement. The case is being prosecuted as part of Operation Take Back America, a broader initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and transnational criminal activity across U.S. borders.

Four Mexican nationals unlawfully residing in the United States have been charged for their roles in an international human smuggling conspiracy that illegally brought aliens across the Canadian border to the United States for profit.

Edgar Sanchez-Solis, 23, unlawfully residing…

— Scott Taylor (@ScottTaylorTV) May 2, 2025

Dangerous Tactics and Public Safety Concerns

Authorities report that the smuggling operation employed hazardous tactics that put public safety at significant risk. The criminal network regularly engaged in high-speed chases to evade border patrol agents, resulting in multiple traffic accidents. In addition to physical transportation, the defendants allegedly instructed the smuggled individuals to create testimonial videos about their successful journeys, presumably to attract more clients and expand their operation. These promotional materials demonstrate the sophisticated nature of the enterprise.

“As alleged, these defendants illegally entered this country and then sought to smuggle hundreds of aliens per week to the United States from Mexico, Central America, and South America through the Canadian border.”, said Matthew R. Galeotti.

The charges against the four individuals include conspiracy to bring aliens to the United States and 25 separate counts of bringing aliens illegally into the country for financial profit. If convicted, the defendants face substantial prison terms, highlighting the serious nature of the alleged crimes and the priority authorities place on disrupting human smuggling networks operating across international borders.

Cross-Border Enforcement Initiatives

The case underscores ongoing joint efforts between U.S. and Canadian authorities to combat human smuggling across their shared border. Canada has recently invested $1.3 billion to enhance border security and strengthen its immigration system. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have launched specific initiatives, including Project Disrupt and Deter, which began in December 2024 to monitor vulnerable border areas along the International Railway Bridge in the Niagara region.

“Canada’s border plan is working. The joint efforts between CBSA and RCMP to detect and prevent human smuggling and other criminal activities along the Canada-U.S. border are keeping Canadians and Americans safe.”, according to the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety.

In a recent operation, CBSA intelligence officers intercepted an individual attempting to smuggle themselves into Canada by jumping from a moving freight train in Fort Erie, Ontario. The individual was arrested under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and found inadmissible to Canada under the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement, resulting in their return to the United States. Two other individuals involved in the smuggling attempt were also taken into custody for questioning.

Ongoing Border Security Challenges

These cases reflect the persistent challenges faced by both U.S. and Canadian authorities in securing the 5,525-mile border they share. With much of the boundary running through remote areas, human smuggling networks have increasingly exploited vulnerabilities to move people across international lines. Project Northstar, a national intelligence and enforcement strategy, has been implemented to monitor and respond to irregular northbound movements, with authorities encouraging public vigilance and reporting of suspicious cross-border activities.

The lucrative nature of these smuggling operations – with immigrants or their families paying thousands of dollars for transport – continues to incentivize criminal networks despite increased enforcement efforts. Authorities on both sides of the border emphasize that dismantling these organizations remains a top priority to protect border integrity and public safety while preventing the exploitation of vulnerable individuals seeking entry into either country.

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