Miguel Rodriguez, a 36-year-old resident of the Bronx, New York, has pled guilty to charges related to fleeing an immigration checkpoint and possessing ammunition unlawfully. The announcement was made by United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III, Erin Keegan from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Ogdensburg Port of Entry Director Thomas Trimboli.
Rodriguez's admission stems from an incident on January 20, 2025, when he crossed into the United States from Canada at the Ogdensburg Port of Entry in a red Infinity sedan. Instead of stopping for inspection, he drove away at high speed. Shortly thereafter, law enforcement encountered Rodriguez in Ogdensburg but he refused to stop and led officers on a high-speed chase. The pursuit concluded when Rodriguez collided with another vehicle carrying three individuals and subsequently crashed into a residence. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
During a search of his vehicle following the crash, authorities discovered a handgun magazine loaded with four 9mm bullets. Due to a previous felony assault conviction, Rodriguez is legally prohibited from possessing such ammunition.
Rodriguez is scheduled for sentencing on July 17, 2025. He faces up to 15 years in prison for the possession of ammunition charge and up to five years for fleeing from the port of entry. Additional penalties include potential fines reaching $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release post-incarceration.
The investigation was conducted by HSI and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), with Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Collyer handling the prosecution.