Mexican Citizen Pleads Guilty to Alien Smuggling

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Jose Rodriguez Barajas, age 40, and a citizen of Mexico, pled guilty today to conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and three counts of alien smuggling. Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III and Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Swanton Sector made the announcement.

Rodriguez Barajas, an illegal alien himself, admitted that on March 14, 2025, he smuggled three aliens at the border who were hiding in the woods after entering the United States illegally from Canada. The defendant admitted he expected to be paid for helping the aliens get across the border and transporting them further into the United States.

Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated, “Rodriguez Barajas—an illegal alien from Mexico—thumbed his nose at our laws, snuck into our country and conspired to sneak more aliens through our Northern Border for his own profit.  This administration, unlike past administrations, is committed to fully enforcing the immigration laws of this country.  If you smuggle aliens through our Northern Border, you will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you will be deported.”

Swanton Sector Border Patrol Chief Robert N. Garcia stated, "Jose Rodriguez Barajas' blatant disregard for U.S. immigration law, ranging from his illegal entry into the country to his involvement in smuggling others, poses a significant threat to our national security and the safety of our communities. Swanton Sector Border Patrol remains unwavering in its commitment to disrupting and dismantling criminal networks that exploit our immigration system. We commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their invaluable partnership in ensuring those who violate our laws are held accountable."

At his sentencing on December 23, 2025, Rodriguez Barajas faces at least 5 years and up to 15 years in prison. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statutes the defendant is convicted of violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.

Border Patrol investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt is prosecuting this case.