Trial Begins for Men Charged in Human Smuggling Case

In the federal trial of Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel and Steve Shand in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, witnesses recounted the tragic deaths of a family of four Indian migrants who froze while attempting to cross the U.S.-Canada border in January 2022. Yash Patel, a survivor, testified that he became separated from the family during the perilous trek and walked for hours before being picked up by Shand's vehicle. Prosecutors allege that Patel and Shand prioritized financial gain over human life in orchestrating the smuggling operation, which involved bringing Indian nationals to Canada on student visas before attempting the dangerous border crossing. The conditions during the crossing were brutal, with wind chills dropping to minus 36 degrees Fahrenheit, leading to the family's deaths. Defense attorneys argue that Shand was misled by Patel and did not have malicious intent. The trial continues with testimonies from various experts and witnesses regarding the dire circumstances faced by the migrants.