U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced the arrest and charging of Saima Qamar, a 55-year-old Canadian citizen originally from Pakistan, with illegal reentry into the United States. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to two years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Smith, who is managing the case, explained that Qamar was detained by the Lewiston Police Department. The department sought assistance from U.S. Border Patrol to identify her. A records check revealed that Qamar was illegally present in the U.S., having been previously removed in April 2019.
Qamar appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeremiah J. McCarthy and remains detained.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at addressing illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations to protect communities from violent crime.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Border Patrol Niagara Falls Station under Patrol Agent in Charge Brady Waikal’s direction.
It is important to note that charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
