FERGUS FALLS — The trial of two alleged human smugglers has brought chilling details to light about the fate of a migrant family from India found frozen to death near the Canada-U.S. border in January 2022.
On Tuesday, U.S. Border Patrol intelligence agent Daniel Huguley testified about the moment he realized more migrants were stranded in a deadly blizzard. Huguley recalled feeling his “heart sink” upon discovering a diaper and children’s items in a backpack carried by one of the detained migrants. The discovery spurred an intensified search effort.
Hours later, RCMP officers located the frozen bodies of Jagdish Patel, 39; his wife, Vaishaliben Patel, 37; their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi; and their three-year-old son, Dharmik. The boy was found cradled in his father’s arms, just meters away from the border on the Canadian side.
Steve Shand and Harshkumar Patel are accused of operating a smuggling ring that facilitated illegal crossings by flying Indian nationals to Canada on student visas and directing them to cross the border on foot. Both men have pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to transport migrants under conditions that placed lives in jeopardy.
The tragic journey occurred during a severe blizzard with temperatures below -20°C and wind chills that made it feel even colder. A meteorologist testified that frostbite could occur within 10 minutes under such conditions, especially for those inadequately dressed.
Court heard that Shand was driving a van with migrants when it became stuck in snow on a remote road near the border. Despite a nearby worker offering assistance, Shand declined and continued on. Border agents later intercepted the van and discovered migrants with Canadian student visas but no legal entry stamps for the U.S.
Five more migrants were rescued from the field, including one woman suffering severe hypothermia. A border agent described her hand as feeling “like a chicken breast that had just been taken out of the freezer.”
Rajinder Paul Singh, who admitted to working for the smuggling operation, testified that the ring was orchestrated by Fenil Patel, who is being pursued by Indian authorities. Singh revealed that Fenil Patel had direct contact with the migrants during their ordeal and misled them about rescue efforts.
Defence lawyers for Shand and Harshkumar Patel argued that their clients were unaware of the illegal nature of their actions. They also questioned Singh’s credibility, citing his history of smuggling convictions.
The Patel family tragedy has drawn attention to the risks faced by migrants and the operations that exploit them. Indian authorities are collaborating with Canadian and U.S. officials to extradite key suspects in the smuggling ring.
This trial sheds light on the devastating consequences of human smuggling and raises questions about the vulnerabilities of those seeking a better future. Dhwani will continue to provide updates as the case unfolds.
