Feds Bust Leader of Human Smuggling Ring Bringing Migrants to NYC

The 70-member trafficking group conspired to illegally transport dozens of migrants, including children, across the northern border into the U.S.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Federal prosecutors have charged Francisco Antonio Luna Rosado, a 27-year-old migrant from the Dominican Republic, as the leader of an international human smuggling ring that conspired to illegally bring dozens of migrants, including young children, across the northern border from Canada into northern Vermont and then on to New York City and other U.S. locations. The trafficking group, which had around 70 members, used an encrypted messaging platform to coordinate the smuggling operations that took place between August 2022 and March 2024.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges the U.S. faces in securing its northern border and combating transnational criminal organizations involved in human smuggling. The sharp decline in northern border crossings in recent years suggests these smuggling operations have had a significant impact, raising concerns about public safety and the strain on social services in destination cities like New York.

The details

According to court filings, the smuggling ring would fly migrants into southern Canada before having them link up with Luna Rosado. Jesus Hernandez Ortiz, 37, of Puerto Rico and other members of the group would then drive to pick up the migrants at the northern border and transport them to New York City and other locations. In one incident in September 2023, Ortiz was stopped by law enforcement while transporting a dozen illegal immigrants, including two children aged 3 and 5, in the back of a Home Depot van. Ortiz claimed he had picked the people up in a Canadian field and did not know who they were. Prosecutors allege the smuggling operation generated over $10,000 in proceeds that were laundered by Luna Rosado.

  • Between August 2022 and March 2024, the smuggling ring operated.
  • On September 17, 2023, Ortiz was stopped by law enforcement while transporting illegal immigrants from the northern border to New York City.
  • In March 2024, there was a 95% drop in illegal crossings on the 300-mile sector of the border between Vermont and Canada compared to the previous year.
  • In November 2024, there were 12,085 northern border crossings, which fell to 4,098 in February 2025.

The players

Francisco Antonio Luna Rosado

A 27-year-old migrant from the Dominican Republic who was the leader of the international human smuggling ring.

Jesus Hernandez Ortiz

A 37-year-old man from Puerto Rico who was a member of the 70-person smuggling ring and was caught transporting illegal immigrants from the northern border to New York City.

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What they’re saying

“He had picked these people up in a Canadian field and that he did not know who they were.”

— Jesus Hernandez Ortiz (Court filing)

What’s next

Ortiz is expected to make an initial appearance in a Burlington, Vermont, federal courtroom on Feb. 17. Prosecutors have asked courts to order both Ortiz and Luna Rosado detained pending trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges the U.S. faces in securing its northern border and combating transnational criminal organizations involved in human smuggling, which has significant public safety and social service impacts on destination cities like New York.