Colombian Man Extradited to U.S. Over Pregnant Migrant's Death in Border Crossing

Jhader Augusto Uribe-Tobar faces smuggling charges after Ana Vasquez-Flores drowned in a New York river during an attempted illegal border crossing in 2023.

• Jhader Augusto Uribe-Tobar, a Colombian citizen residing in Quebec, was extradited to the U.S. and arraigned on smuggling-related charges in connection with the death of Ana Vasquez-Flores, a pregnant Mexican woman.
• Vasquez-Flores drowned in the Great Chazy River in December 2023 while attempting to cross the U.S.-Canada border on foot after being instructed by Uribe-Tobar to wade through the river at night.
• Uribe-Tobar allegedly advertised his smuggling services on TikTok and charged $2,500 to guide Vasquez-Flores and her husband through the crossing, communicating with them via electronic messages.
• The U.S. Attorney's Office highlighted the case as an example of the dangers migrants face and the risks posed by human smuggling networks profiting off vulnerable individuals.
• Uribe-Tobar has pleaded not guilty to charges of alien smuggling and conspiracy, which carry a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum of life in prison if convicted.

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