Jose Rodriguez Barajas, a 40-year-old citizen of Mexico, pleaded guilty in Albany, New York to conspiracy to commit alien smuggling and three counts of alien smuggling. Authorities said Rodriguez Barajas admitted to smuggling three people who had entered the United States illegally from Canada on March 14, 2025. According to officials, he expected payment for assisting the individuals across the border and transporting them further into the country.
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 commented on the case: “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.”
Rodriguez Barajas is scheduled for sentencing on December 23, 2025. He faces a minimum sentence of five years and up to fifteen years in prison. Sentencing decisions are determined by a judge based on applicable statutes and federal guidelines.
The case was investigated by Border Patrol and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Stitt.
