Illegal Alien Pleads Guilty to Transporting Aliens

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Igor Vieira-Bastos, 30, of Brazil, pled guilty Wednesday, July 29, to one count of transporting aliens.  First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Richard J. Fortunato, Acting Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol made the announcement.

On March 22, 2026, United States Border Patrol detected two individuals crossing the United States-Canada border near Chateaugay, New York.  The two individuals were observed entering a vehicle that was waiting for them.  The vehicle was stopped moments later, and Vieira-Bastos was identified as the driver, the two back seat passengers matched the descriptions of the individuals that were observed crossing the border.

First Assistant United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “This administration’s commitment to securing our borders is evident in the relentless work carried out every day by U.S. Border Patrol agents. Thanks to their efforts, this defendant was stopped in his tracks as he attempted to smuggle two aliens into the country—while being unlawfully present himself. As a result of his actions, he will now serve a term of imprisonment before facing deportation.”

Swanton Sector’s Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard J. Fortunato said, “I commend the agents of Swanton Sector for their hard work in contributing to the successful prosecution of those who commit crimes along our nation’s borders. Our efforts help protect and improve the quality of life for border communities and for those in the interior of our country.”

United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino sentenced Vieira-Bastos to four months’ imprisonment.  Following his sentence, Vieira-Bastos is subject to deportation.

United States Border Patrol investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Whalen prosecuted the case.