BUFFALO, N.Y. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - New York, Western), published as received.

BUFFALO, N.Y. - U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that Andres Carrillo-Hernandez, 27, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with alien smuggling, which carries a mandatory minimum penalty of three years in prison, and a maximum of 10 years.  

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brendan W. Fitzgerald and Evan K. Glaberson, who are handling the case, stated that according to the complaint, on March 15, 2026, Buffalo Border Patrol agents received information regarding possible alien smuggling. Agents were told that multiple subjects, including two adult males and an adult female carrying a small child, were spotted on infrared camera inflating a raft on the Canadian shoreline at Boyers Creek. The subjects then boarded the raft and began crossing the upper Niagara River, heading to the United States shoreline. Border Patrol agents proceeded toward the possible landing site near a residence on West River Road in Grand Island, NY. The raft was located, and the raft driver, later identified as Carrillo-Hernandez, was taken into custody for illegally entering the United States and suspected alien smuggling. Agents, who then heard a child crying, discovered another adult male, an adult female, and an infant child. The adult male and female were also arrested for illegal entry into the United States. Carrillo-Hernandez admitted to federal agents that he was paid approximately $2,000 to transport the two adults and child, via raft, from the Canadian shoreline to the United States. Subsequent investigation determined that Carrillo-Hernandez, and the three individuals smuggled across the river, had not applied for or received any authorization or approval to enter the United States.

Carrillo-Hernandez made an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and was held pending a detention hearing on March 24, 2026.

The complaint is the result of an investigation by U.S. Border Patrol, under the direction of Acting Chief Patrol Agent James D’Amato.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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