Maryland Man Pleads Guilty to Unlawfully Transporting Three Illegal Immigrants

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Luis Madrigal-Grajales, age 35, of Baltimore, Maryland, pled guilty yesterday to unlawfully transporting three illegal immigrants.

The announcement was made by United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia, United States Border Patrol, Swanton Sector.

As part of his guilty plea, Madrigal-Grajales admitted that, on a date prior to October 8, 2022, he was contacted by an individual who asked him to drive to Champlain, New York to pick up illegal immigrants and drive them back to Maryland.  On October 8, 2022, Madrigal-Grajales drove to Champlain, New York from his home in Maryland, and picked up three illegal immigrants.  His vehicle was subsequently stopped by police near Plattsburgh, New York.  Madrigal-Grajales admitted that he planned to drive the individuals to Maryland, and that he expected to be paid approximately $1,500.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 20, 2023, before United States District Judge Mae A. D’Agostino. Madrigal-Grajales faces up to 10 years in prison, up to 3 years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine.  A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.   

This case is being investigated by the United States Border Patrol and the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica N. Carbone.