A resident of Santa Rosa, California, Rajat Rajat, who is an Indian citizen, was sentenced in Seattle to five months in prison. He was involved in a scheme to smuggle non-citizens across the northern border and was charged with conspiracy to bring in and transport aliens for profit. Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller announced the sentencing.
During the hearing, U.S. District Judge Tana Lin pointed out that Rajat's role was critical as he arranged travel and compensated co-conspirators. Judge Lin remarked that Rajat's actions continued the cycle of exploitation within smuggling practices.
Acting U.S. Attorney Miller stated, "Mr. Rajat was a mid-level manager of this smuggling scheme, directing noncitizens where and how to cross the border, and even fronting some travel costs for them and for coconspirators." He emphasized the importance of fighting illegal border crossings, which pose a risk to U.S. security.
The smuggling incidents connected to the case took place in November and December 2023, involving eight Indian citizens. On November 27, surveillance noticed several individuals jumping a fence near the Boundary Village Apartments in Blaine, Washington. They were intercepted by Border Patrol after boarding a minivan driven by Bobby Joe Green. Three identified non-citizens mentioned seeing a co-defendant, Sushil Kumar, at Peace Arch Park before crossing the border. Further investigation revealed that Kumar and Rajat instructed the non-citizens on crossing procedures, with Rajat funding Green's transport of the group and collecting payments from the non-citizens.
In a December incident, Rajat met three Indian citizens in Peace Arch Park and instructed them on crossing the border and reaching a parked car, which was later stopped. The non-citizens affirmed they had agreed to pay for their smuggling into the U.S.
Prosecutors argued that the scheme was organized and transnational, with Rajat playing an essential role by coordinating operations and facilitating entry into the U.S. He provided transportation and direct communication to advise on the clandestine crossing. Following his prison term, Rajat faces three years of supervised release, but deportation seems possible.
Other involved individuals have been sentenced or are awaiting trial. Sushil Kumar received six months in prison, Green was sentenced to four months, and Sneha, who faces trial in January 2026, has charges that remain allegations pending proven guilt in court.
The investigation is a collaborative effort of ICE HSI and the U.S. Border Patrol, with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Jin Kim, Mike Dion, and Special Assistant Katherine Collins.