This copy is for your personal, non-commercial use only. Distribution and use of this material are governed by our Subscriber Agreement and by copyright law. For non-personal use or to order multiple copies, please contact The Epoch Times Reprints.
Canadian and American flags at the Peace Arch Historical State Park at the Canada-U.S. border in Blaine, Wash. on Aug. 9, 2021. Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images
A woman from Michigan has been indicted for allegedly being involved in an “international alien smuggling conspiracy” that brought illegal immigrants, including children, into the United States, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said in a Sept. 4 statement.
Norma Linda Lozano, also known as Norma Linda Quintanilla Lozano, 53, from Ypsilanti, was charged by a federal grand jury with one count of conspiracy to smuggle aliens and six counts of bringing illegal immigrants into the United States for profit.
According to the Aug. 28 indictment filed with the District Court for the District of Vermont, Lozano’s activities spanned between February and November 2024, during which, she along with other co-conspirators brought or sought to bring illegals into America via Canada.
“The aliens were nationals of Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and El Salvador. The alien smuggling organization directed, instructed, and facilitated the aliens to cross the border between the United States and Canada between ports of entry and without inspection by immigration officers,” the DOJ said in the indictment.
After the illegal immigrants crossed into the United States, Lozano allegedly picked them up at predetermined locations at or near the border, transporting them to residences, airports, and public businesses in the United States, the indictment said.
In November 2024, Lozano was allegedly transporting eight illegal immigrants, including two children, when she was caught by Border Patrol agents. One child was found in the rear seat area, while the other was in the tailgate area on top of luggage.
In its statement, the DOJ said the smugglers “instructed the aliens to cross the border on foot, provided GPS coordinates and a description of Lozano’s vehicle, and coordinated their pick-up once inside the United States.”
The Epoch Times was unable to reach legal representatives for Lozano.
Northern Border Task Force
During a Sept. 4 news conference about anti-human trafficking operations, Attorney General Pam Bondi cited incidents of human trafficking from Canada and other immigration issues.
Bondi said the DOJ is now expanding its Joint Task Force Alpha. Formed in June 2021, the task forceboosted enforcement efforts “against some of the most dangerous and prolific human trafficking and smuggling groups” in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Colombia, and Panama.
Now, the task force will also “cover our northern border in Canada, of course, and all of our maritime border,” Bondi said, adding that agents from the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration will provide more manpower.
“Since President Trump took office, Joint Task Force Alpha has charged 56 defendants,” Bondi said.
Drug smuggling via Canada’s border is a national emergency and public health crisis, according to a July 31 White House fact sheet announcing an executive order that raised tariffs on Canada from 25 to 35 percent.
“Canada has failed to cooperate in curbing the ongoing flood of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and it has retaliated against the United States for the President’s actions to address this unusual and extraordinary threat to the United States,” it said.
“In response to Canada’s continued inaction and retaliation, President Trump has found it necessary to increase the tariff on Canada.”
Canada has taken steps to address Washington’s concerns, including appointing a “fentanyl czar” and announcing a $1.3 billion plan to boost border security.
The country also introduced the Strong Borders Act to ensure that Canadian law enforcement has “the right tools to keep our borders secure, combat transnational organized crime, stop the flow of illegal fentanyl, and crack down on money laundering,” according to a June 3 statement from Public Safety Canada.
Meanwhile, the tariff conflict between Canada and the United States is easing. Last month, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney removed retaliatory tariffs on the United States, after which Trump suggested that the two sides may be closer to a deal.
According to data from Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol agents have apprehended fewer than 6,500 illegal immigrants each month under the Trump administration at the northern land border. This contrasts with fiscal year 2024, when monthly encounters never dipped below 14,000.
