Human smuggling suspect linked to fatal U.S. Canada border crossing arrested in Chicago

Photo by: WDAY Radio File (Pexels)
Photo by: WDAY Radio File (Pexels)

(WDAY Radio) -- An alleged human smuggler authorities say is linked to the fatal border crossing between the U.S. and Canada two years ago is in police custody.

Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel was arrested in Chicago on Wednesday and was allegedly hired by a Florida man to bring migrants to the windy city. Patel pleaded not guilty to human smuggling charges.

Authorities say Patel is linked to a family of four from India who froze to death trying to cross the U.S. and Canada border in January of 2022.