Wanted Senegalese Man Arrested Illegally Crossing Border

BURLINGTON - The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont stated that Khadim Ndaiye, 29, of Senegal and previously of Brooklyn, New York, has been charged by criminal complaint with illegal entry into the United States. Ndaiye's initial appearance in court is scheduled for this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle in Burlington.

According to court records, on September 30, 2026, the U.S. Border Patrol detected an unlawful crossing of the international border between Canada and the United States in the vicinity of North Troy, Vermont. Agents responded to the area and observed tracks and indicators of people moving through the woods. After following the trail of sign, agents observed a man walking along a creek. As agents approached the man, he began to run and evaded them. Agents continued to search the area for hours, eventually locating a man consistent in appearance with one detected crossing the border. The man initially ran from agents but was apprehended shortly thereafter and later identified as Khadim Ndaiye. Ndaiye's clothing was covered in brush and mud, indicating he had likely been in the woods for an extended period. Ndiaye's fingerprints were used to identify him as a citizen of Senegal, who had previously been apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol in 2023 in Arizona while illegally entering. Consistent with border policies in 2023, Ndaiye was issued a notice to appear for immigration proceedings and released into the country. The recent fingerprint check by Border Patrol revealed that Ndaiye has an open bench warrant for his arrest, issued by New York County Criminal Court for charges related to felony attempted forcible rape stemming from a September 1, 2025 arrest. Immigration records reveal Ndiaye departed the United States on September 15, 2025, shortly after his New York arrest.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Ndiaye is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Ndiaye faces up to 6 months of imprisonment if convicted. The actual sentence, however, would be determined by the District Court with guidance from the advisory United States Sentencing Guidelines and the statutory sentencing factors.

First Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan A. Ophardt commended the investigatory efforts of the U.S. Border Patrol. "I am extremely grateful that Border Patrol Agents worked tirelessly to locate and apprehend Ndiaye after his alleged unlawful crossing. Ndiaye's immigration history and pending criminal charges in New York State underscore the vital importance to securing our northern border with Canada. The United States Attorney's Office remains committed to working closely with our federal law enforcement partners to ensure that those who evade our ports of entry are apprehended and prosecuted."

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Eugenia A. P. Cowles. Ndiaye is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.