Mexican Citizen Sentenced for Smuggling Illegal Alien

ALBANY, NEW YORK – Feliciano Felipe Diaz-Estrada, also known as Feliciano Villas-Estrada, age 56, and a Mexican citizen residing in Long Island City, New York, was sentenced today to time served (18 days in jail), followed by a one-year period of supervised release, and a fine of $1,000, for transporting an illegal alien within the United States.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith and Robert N. Garcia, Chief Patrol Agent, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.

On May 21, 2018, Diaz-Estrada drove to Montreal, Canada, where he met with David Lopez-Garcia. 

Diaz-Estrada then drove to the Champlain Port of Entry, New York, and entered alone.  Simultaneously, Lopez-Garcia walked across the border one-half mile east of the Champlain Port of Entry and avoided United States immigration and customs inspection.  Lopez-Garcia walked to a spot south of the border where he waited for Diaz-Estrada. 

After entering the United States during the early morning of May 22, 2018, Diaz-Estrada drove to a cemetery in Champlain, New York, where he stopped and picked up the waiting Lopez-Garcia.  Border Patrol Agents observed the pickup and followed Diaz-Estrada as he entered I-87 southbound.   After he entered I-87 southbound, Diaz-Estrada was stopped and arrested by Border Patrol Agents.  The passenger, Lopez-Garcia, was arrested and prosecuted for the misdemeanor offense of entry without inspection.   

Lopez-Garcia, age 46, and a citizen of Mexico residing in Charlotte, North Carolina, was convicted on June 5, 2018 and sentenced to 15 days in jail.    

This case was investigated by Border Patrol and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward P. Grogan.