Human trafficking into the US on the rise via the British Columbia border

 

 

A man from Oregon has pleaded guilty to conspiring to smuggle dozens of illegal immigrants across the British Columbia border on foot and on freight trains. The plea comes as US President-elect Donald Trump accuses Canada of failing to stop illegal immigration across the US border.

Jesus Ortiz-Plata pleaded guilty in US District Court in Seattle last week to helping at least 25 people illegally settle in Washington. The case is one of seven separate cases involving human trafficking across the border. The case highlights the extent of human trafficking on both sides of the border.

Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent David Spitzer, who is leading the investigation, said several smuggling rings operate in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. They charge between $5,000 and $10,000 to smuggle people across the border illegally.