Human traffickers cared more about profit than people when they sent an Indian family to their deaths in -36°F blizzard conditions at the US-Canada border, resulting in prison sentences of nearly 11 years for ringleader Harshkumar “Dirty Harry” Patel and 6.5 years for driver Steve Shand.
Key Takeaways
- A family of four from India—including children ages 3 and 11—froze to death while attempting to illegally cross from Canada into the U.S. during extreme winter conditions
- Smuggling ringleader Harshkumar Patel received a 10-year prison sentence while driver Steve Shand received 6.5 years for their roles in the deadly operation
- The smuggling ring charged migrants up to $100,000 for passage from India to the U.S., using fake student visas to move people through Canada
- Seven other migrants from the same group survived the crossing attempt, though several suffered from hypothermia
- The case highlights the brutal realities and human cost of illegal border crossing operations
Family Perishes in Deadly Crossing Attempt
The tragic deaths of Jagdish Patel, his wife Vaishaliben, 11-year-old daughter Vihangi, and 3-year-old son Dharmik have brought to light the deadly consequences of illegal human smuggling operations at America’s borders. The family from Dingucha, Gujarat, India, was part of a group of 11 Indian nationals attempting to cross from Canada into Minnesota during a fierce blizzard in January 2022. With temperatures plummeting to -36 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chill, the family was woefully unprepared for the harsh conditions. The father died while trying to shield his young son from the brutal cold, while the mother was found dead against a fence. Both children were inadequately dressed for the extreme weather conditions.
“The crime in many respects is extraordinary because it did result in the unimaginable death of four individuals, including two children. These were deaths that were clearly avoidable,” said U.S. District Judge John Tunheim during the sentencing.
Seven other members of the group managed to survive the treacherous journey, though several suffered from hypothermia. Only two reached Shand’s van, which had become stuck in the snow. When authorities initially apprehended Shand, he denied others were still out in the elements, delaying potential rescue efforts for the remaining migrants who were struggling to survive in the deadly conditions. The case underscores how human smugglers routinely put profit over the safety and wellbeing of those seeking illegal entry into our country.
Smuggling Ring Leaders Face Justice
Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, known as “Dirty Harry” and the ringleader of this international human smuggling operation, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. Steve Anthony Shand, who served as the driver responsible for picking up the migrants once they crossed into the United States, received a 6.5-year sentence with two years of supervised release. Both men were convicted on four counts each related to human smuggling following a trial in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. Federal prosecutors had initially recommended nearly 20 years for Patel and nearly 11 years for Shand, citing the severity of their crimes and the loss of human life.
“We should make no mistake, it was the defendant’s greed that set in motion the facts that bring us here today,” said acting U.S. Attorney Lisa Kirkpatrick.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Patel maintained his innocence, claiming he was merely a minor participant in the operation. His lack of remorse was noted by prosecutor Michael McBride who stated, “Mr. Patel has never shown an ounce of remorse. Even today, he continues to deny he is the ‘Dirty Harry’ that worked with Mr. Shand on this smuggling venture — despite substantial evidence to the contrary and counsel for his co-defendant identifying him as such at trial.” Shand’s attorney attempted to minimize his client’s involvement, characterizing him as merely a taxi driver with limited knowledge of the larger conspiracy. Patel is likely to be deported to India after serving his sentence.
The Dark Business of Human Smuggling
The investigation revealed the extensive scope and profitability of this smuggling operation. Migrants were charged up to $100,000 for passage from India to the United States, with fake student visas used to initially get them into Canada before attempting the dangerous border crossing into Minnesota. Another smuggler who testified during the case admitted to earning over $400,000 by smuggling more than 500 Indian migrants. These migrants often work low-wage jobs for years after arrival to pay off the enormous debts incurred to the smuggling networks, effectively trapping them in a form of indentured servitude.
“The callous disregard for life that led to the tragic deaths of an entire family will not be forgotten,” said Jamie Holt.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, a unit of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Officials emphasized that this prosecution represents a significant step in combating the inhumanity of human smuggling operations that exploit vulnerable migrants for financial gain. Authorities continue to target these smuggling networks that operate along America’s northern and southern borders. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for strengthening border security and addressing the root causes that lead desperate people to risk their lives by placing their fates in the hands of smugglers who view them not as human beings, but as profitable cargo.
