Newark, New Jersey Man Charged with Human Smuggling

BURLINGTON - The United States Attorney's Office for the District of Vermont stated that Edwin Enrique Menjivar, 54, of Newark, New Jersey, has been charged by criminal complaint with human smuggling, specifically the transportation of aliens within the United States in furtherance of their unlawful entry.

On August 25, 2026, Menjivar appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Kevin J. Doyle, who ordered that Menjivar be released on conditions pending trial.

According to court records, U.S. Border Patrol Agents were patrolling the international border near Holland, Vermont during the morning hours of August 24, 2026. Agents observed an SUV with a New Jersey license plate driving on a small rural dirt road that has previously been the site of cross-border smuggling activity. Agents conducted surveillance which provided indicators the SUV was likely engaged in smuggling. Further, a vehicle bearing the same New Jersey license plate had previously been encountered near the border during a suspected smuggling event. During a traffic stop of the SUV, agents discovered a person crouched down in the floor area of the front passenger seat of the SUV, attempting to conceal herself. Three people were found in the second row of the SUV, attempting to conceal themselves under blankets. Two additional people were found fully concealed under a blanket in the third row of the SUV. The occupants were determined to be aliens from Mexico, Ecuador, and China.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasizes that the complaint contains allegations only and that Menjivar is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. Menjivar faces up to 5 years 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 United States Border Patrol.

The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney David Golubock. Menjivar is represented by the Office of the Federal Public Defender.