31.09°C Vancouver

May 26, 2023 6:25 PM - The Canadian Press

Florida man pleads not guilty after Canada-U.S. human smuggling tragedy in Manitoba

Share On
florida-man-pleads-not-guilty-after-canada-u-s-human-smuggling-tragedy-in-manitoba
He was arrested in January 2022 in a remote area of northern Minnesota, where border agents encountered him with two Indian nationals in a rented passenger van. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

A Florida man has pleaded not guilty to human smuggling charges after the frozen bodies of a family of four migrants were found near the Canada-U.S. border last year.

Steve Shand, 48, entered the plea today via videoconference as part of his long-delayed arraignment in Duluth, Minn.

Shand faces one count each of bringing people into the U.S. illegally and of transporting them inside the country.

He was arrested in January 2022 in a remote area of northern Minnesota, where border agents encountered him with two Indian nationals in a rented passenger van.

Just over the border, near Emerson, Man., RCMP officers discovered the bodies of four people authorities believe froze to death while trying to slip into the U.S. undetected.

Three others in India are facing charges in the deaths of Jagdish Patel, 39, wife Vaishaliben, 37, daughter Vihangi, 11, and three-year-old son Dharmik.

Latest news

trump-says-canada-depends-on-u-s-poilievre-calls-proposed-50-tariff-unjustified
CanadaJul 21, 2026

Trump says Canada depends on U.S.; Poilievre calls proposed 50% tariff 'unjustified'

U.S. President Donald Trump and Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre have exchanged sharply contrasting messages as trade tensions between Canada and the United States continue to escalate. Speaking to reporters, Trump said he "loves the people of Canada" but claimed the country "would not exist without the United States" and needs the U.S. to survive. The remarks come amid an ongoing trade dispute between the two countries. Poilievre, meanwhile, criticized Trump's proposed 50 per cent tariff, calling it "unjustified" and harmful to both Canadian workers and American consumers. According
b-c-wildfire-crews-use-drone-for-canadas-first-controlled-burn-operation
BCJul 21, 2026

B.C. wildfire crews use drone for Canada's first controlled burn operation

Firefighters battling an active wildfire in British Columbia have successfully used a drone to carry out a controlled burn for the first time in Canada, according to the BC Wildfire Service. The agency said crews working near Boston Bar used the drone to ignite a planned section of dry forest that was in the path of the advancing wildfire. The controlled burn was intended to remove available fuel and help slow the fire's spread. According to the BC Wildfire Service, controlled burns are typically conducted using helicopters or ground crews, both of which can expose firefighters to greater risk
heat-warnings-issued-across-southern-b-c-after-multiple-temperature-records-fall
BCJul 21, 2026

Heat warnings issued across southern B.C. after multiple temperature records fall

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued heat warnings for much of southern British Columbia after several communities recorded new daily temperature highs. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the warnings cover the east coast of Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Fraser Valley, and are expected to remain in effect until Wednesday. Heat warnings for parts of the Southern Interior could continue through Thursday. Forecasters say daytime temperatures in coastal areas are expected to exceed 30 C, while the Fraser Valley and Southern Interior could see highs near 35 C. Offi
hamilton-police-arrest-32-in-organized-home-depot-theft-investigation
BCJul 21, 2026

Hamilton police arrest 32 in organized Home Depot theft investigation

Hamilton Police Service says it has arrested 32 people and laid a total of 235 criminal charges following an investigation into an alleged organized retail theft ring targeting Home Depot stores in the city. According to a police news release issued Tuesday, the four-month investigation, dubbed Project Checkout, was launched after theft incidents at local Home Depot locations increased by 25 per cent. Police allege the group stole high-value merchandise from stores and later sold the items through online marketplaces at prices below retail value. Police said store employees were allegedly thre
carney-says-trump-agreed-to-accelerate-tariff-talks-as-canada-weighs-response
CanadaJul 21, 2026

Carney says Trump agreed to accelerate tariff talks as Canada weighs response

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone on Tuesday morning about the latest tariff dispute, confirming the two leaders discussed measures announced by the United States. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Carney said the proposed U.S. tariffs violate the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). He said Trump agreed to accelerate discussions in the coming weeks as both countries seek to address the trade dispute. Asked whether Canada is considering retaliatory tariffs, Carney said all options remain on the table if the proposed U.S. tariffs tak

Related News