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No. 7 Tennessee gives up 1st 14 points before rallying to rout Vanderbilt 36-23Townsville Don't miss out on the headlines from Townsville. Followed categories will be added to My News. A trail of destruction swept across Townsville early on Tuesday morning as thieves used stolen vehicles to target four locations in a brazen 30-minute crime spree, leaving small businesses with thousands in damages. The rampage began at 4.24am, when a stolen Toyota Prado was used to ram a parked car outside Brumbys Bakery at Parkside Plaza on Bamford Lane, Kirwan. From there, the Prado next targeted a Wulguru petrol station, crashing into the premises before the offenders made off with the cash register. Minutes later, the same vehicle smashed into Cre8ive Sk8, a popular skate shop on Ross River Road, stealing several electric scooters. The spree continued when the Prado was rammed into the front door of the Friendly Grocer store on Abbott Street, Oonoonba, causing extensive damage. The chaos ended just before 5am when both the Toyota Prado and a stolen Subaru were found abandoned near a creek on Boundary Street, Hermit Park. Police report the Subaru had been set alight. “It’s getting ridiculous,” says business owner Picking up the pieces of his shattered skate shop, Cre8ive Sk8 co-owner Nick Wilson expressed frustration over the escalating crime in Townsville, calling it “getting ridiculous.” The ADF veteran said the early morning ram-raid was the third time his store had been hit by thieves since he took it over a little over a year ago. “At about 4.20 this morning, I got a call from the security who monitors the alarms ... then I checked the cameras from my phone, could see the cops out the front with the lights flashing, so I jumped up and came down to the shop and met with the police,” Mr Wilson said. “(Police) said it’s been ram raided by a stolen four wheel drive Prado, and also told me they’ve already hit two other places before me.” Cre8ive Sk8's was ram raided overnight. Owners Femke and Nick Wilson. Picture: Evan Morgan After reviewing his CCTV footage, he said the offenders appeared to be six juveniles, aged between 12-15 years, who entered the business disguised with hats, masks, gloves, with “one young kid carrying a knife around”. Since the business had begun stocking electric scooters, there had been an upswing in the number of criminals targeting it. “They made a mess of the place trying to get to them ... the electric scooters that we sell ... I think four were stolen. We managed to get a couple back, the cops found the cars that did it. CCTV footage shows the ram raid at Cre8ive Sk8 on Ross River Rd at 4.19am on November 26. “One was burnt out and one was tried to be driven into the creek behind Officeworks there.” He said the business had needed to bolt their scooters to the floor after a bloke came in and took one out the front door. They also needed to install a “big bloody cage door” after two adults broke down their back door to steal e-scooters. Cre8ive Sk8's was ram raided overnight. Owners Femke and Nick Wilson. Picture: Evan Morgan It comes after the business’ previous owner was also stabbed in an attack some time ago. He had high hopes that new Premier David Crisafulli would be able to deliver on his promise of ‘adult crime, adult time’, as the city’s crime was “getting out of control”. “I get some pretty wild characters that come in here, and they’re telling me all the time, they get they get it better in jail, and they do at home, so why wouldn’t they?” he asked “It’s a game. They go in, see their mates, you know, and get a PlayStation. It’s just the way it is, you know. On the footage I’ve got a young kid with a knife f---ing longer than his arm carrying that around. “I’m over it, same as everybody else. It’s just getting ridiculous and something needs to be done. Whether it does, who knows?” ‘Only took soft drink and lighters’ The Friendly Grocer, a small store run by Linda and Gary Leong which has been in the family for over 50 years, also bore the brunt of the rampage. Thieves rammed a stolen car through the store, causing an estimated $15,000 to $20,000 in damage to the automated front doors and parts of the roof. Damage left after a ram raid at the Friendly Grocer in Oonoonba at 3.34am on November 26. Picture: Natasha Emeck According to Linda, the suspects, a group of at least six individuals, raced in to see the cash registers only to find they had been left empty and open. “They were trying to get into the drawers, but thankfully we keep the tills empty overnight,” she explains. “In the end all they ended up taking was a bottle of soft drink and a couple of lighters which they probably used to torch the cars.” Damage left after a ram raid at the Friendly Grocer in Oonoonba at 3.34am on November 26. Picture: Natasha Emeck She said while they had been hit by thieves in the past, this incident looked like it would be their most costly so far. natasha.emeck@news.com.au Originally published as Townsville ram raid rampage as thieves hit businesses in 30-minute spree Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Townsville NAMED: Four face court over stolen cars, police firearm charges Four men, aged 18 to 40, have been charged and will face court today over their alleged roles in a dramatic crime spree involving stolen cars and the theft of a police-issued firearm. Read more Townsville Workers were told to ‘work with what they had’: Gough Plastics One worker dead, a second struck in the head, and a third in a 16-day coma – the workplace safety record of Gough Plastics was laid bare this week in a Townsville courtroom. Read more
Maintain your place on a budget with these pro-recommended products. Maintaining your home can feel like an overwhelming task, so I reached out to a variety of professional contractors to help you determine how to best tackle it in a budget-friendly way. On this list, you’ll find products that they confirm are essential to have on hand to keep your place in tip-top shape. Scroll on to keep small problems from growing, ensure DIY jobs go well, and help keep out pests. 01 Budget-Friendly Sink Strainers To Avoid Clogging Drains Tyler Pittenger, a service plumber, and drain and sewer specialist at Service Force Plumbing , says you should avoid putting pretty anything down your sink drains — even if you have a garbage disposal. He says it can turn into “a paste that will likely build up over time and cause problems.” To help, he suggests using these stainless steel sink strainers with a mesh design to catch even the smallest particles. Two are included and they’re dishwasher safe for cleaning. 02 A Flexible Toilet Plunger To Easily Clear Clogs Allison Harrison, the co-owner of Goodbee Plumbing and Drains , stresses that every homeowner or renter needs a toilet plunger. It “can often save you a call to the plumber when a toilet or drain gets clogged,” she adds. This particular plunger has an innovative shape to clear clogs with minimal effort. In addition, Harrison mentioned that you should keep a sink plunger on hand. 03 Long Drain Snakes For Extra-Stubborn Clogs Plunger didn’t work? Harrison recommends drain snakes like these (over harsh chemicals that she says can damage your pipes) for extra-stubborn clogs. “It goes deep into your pipes to dislodge blockages,” she explains. Five 22-inch drain snakes are included in this set. 04 Waterproof Tape To Prevent Leaks In Showers & More Made from high-quality Teflon, pipe tape can create an airtight seal around threaded pipe joints. “It’s great for preventing leaks in your faucets and showerheads,” shares Harrison — especially considering it’s waterproof. The set comes with two rolls. 05 And Flexible Plumber’s Putty That Makes A Waterproof Seal Harrison says, “In certain situations, plumber’s putty is preferable to caulk,” as it can be used to create “a watertight seal around showerheads, sink faucets, or bathtub drains.” The putty will remain flexible, without hardening, shrinking, or cracking (even when left open) — so you’ll get plenty of use out of it. The tub holds 14 ounces to last through plenty of repairs. 06 A Drip-Free Caulk Gun To Easily Seal Gaps If you use caulk to seal gaps in your bathroom, Harrison recommends using a caulk gun like this “to properly apply it.” The gun will deliver a precise, smooth flow of caulk without any rogue drips. Use the attached scraper tool to remove old materials first. 07 An Easy-To-Use Pen That Freshens & Seals Grout Joseph Passalacqua, the owner and CEO of Maid Sailors , calls a grout sealer pen “one of the smartest investments a homeowner can make.” This particular option features a water-based colorant in a white shade that’ll freshen up grout lines in your bathroom, kitchen, or wherever else you have tile. It dries quickly to a waterproof finish. Choose from a wide or narrow tip in the listing. 08 Felt Pads To Keep Furniture From Scratching Your Floors A budget-friendly way to protect your flooring? Passalacqua suggests these soft felt furniture pads . They stick on the bottom of pretty much any furniture piece to prevent scratches, gouges, or other damage on the floor below. The set comes with 24 pads in squares and circles. 09 High-Quality Painter’s Tape To Pull Off Neater DIYs The Founder and CEO of Nashville Painting Professionals , Ryan Parr, says that for painting projects, one area you don’t want to skimp on is painter’s tape . Use it to “protect surfaces and help with clean lines,” he adds. This particular roll covers up to 60 yards, and when removed, it won’t leave behind a sticky residue. The roll is 60 yards long and almost 1 inch wide. 10 Fillable Paint Pens To Touch Up Walls & Ceilings “Walls are susceptible to minor scuffs and dings, but touch-up paint keeps your space looking maintained over time,” shares Parr. And the smartest way to store your extra paint? This pair of fillable paint pens that will keep it fresh for years to come. Utilize the built-in brush head to swipe the paint directly on the surface. 11 A Canvas Drop Cloth To Prevent Expensive Spills Accidentally spilling paint on your floors or furniture during DIYs can be a costly mistake. To prevent this, Parr recommends putting down a protective drop cloth like this one made of thick canvas. It has double-stitched edges to prevent unraveling and it can be reused for all of your projects. 12 A Low-Cost Hygrometer To Track Of Indoor Humidity Andrew Hancock, the president of Gilman Heating, Cooling & Plumbing , says that it’s important to keep track of indoor humidity levels, “which affect both comfort and how well your HVAC system works.” For this, use an indoor hygrometer that accurately displays the temperature and humidity level of your space. It refreshes the data every 10 seconds. 13 Magnetic Vent Covers To Up Efficiency & Boost Airflow To control airflow in your home, Hancock suggests vent covers like these. “They allow you to redirect heating or cooling to rooms you use most, improving overall efficiency,” he shares. The set comes with three covers that are held securely in place thanks to the magnetic design. Check out the listing for all of the size options, ensuring a perfect fit. 14 AC Pan Tablets To Prevent Odor & Water Damage Hancock describes AC pan tablets like these as “preventative medicine for your HVAC system.” They can help “prevent algae and bacteria from blocking your condensate drain line, avoiding water damage or expensive repairs,” he shares. Plus, they control unwanted odors. The bag contains 30 tablets. 15 A Power Meter To Help Lower Energy Costs High energy costs? The COO of Bates Electric , Andrew Bates, recommends a power meter to get it under control. “This small device helps you track the energy usage of individual appliances by simply plugging it in between the outlet and the appliance,” he explains. It provides various reading results on the large backlit LCD display. It has earned a 4.6-star overall rating on Amazon thanks to its accuracy and ease of use. 16 This Hair Catcher To Avoid Clogged Shower & Tub Drains Hendrik Vandepoll, a master plumber and the co-owner of Service Force Plumbing , estimates that 90% or so of the shower and tub clogs that he sees are a result of accumulated hair. To prevent this in the first place, he suggests utilizing this TubShroom drain protector , which catches hair before it slips down the drain. Once full, pull it out and wipe the hair off before putting it back. 17 An Extra-Long Suctioned Bath Mat To Prevent Slips Taylor Green, the co-founder of Artificial Grass Solutions , favors this extra-long bath mat (which is over 3 feet in length) for tubs or showers to “reduce [the] risk of falls.” The mat has 200 small suction cups to stay securely in place, and there’s built-in drainage to prevent mold or odors. 18 Motion-Activated Lights For Safer Nights Utilize this pair of motion-sensor night-lights “for safer nighttime navigation,” according to Green. They flip on automatically when movement is sensed within 25 feet. He says they’re useful for bathrooms, hallways, and closets. Each light has a long-lasting LED bulb that puts out a soft white glow. 19 This Over-The-Door Organizer To Maximize Space Maximize the often-wasted area on the back of any door for storage with this pocket organizer . Greens says it’s “great for bathrooms, pantries or closets,” adding that it’s renter-friendly. The hanging organizer has six roomy pockets with a clear window in the front for viewing the contents inside. 20 Solar-Powered Lights To Brighten Outdoor Areas These solar-powered lights “brighten pathways and gardens and provide functionality and aesthetic appeal while saving on energy costs,” notes Green. The six lights charge during the day, then flip on automatically at night. They’re waterproof to last season after season. 21 Faucet Aerators To Save Water & Money Green suggests putting these metal aerators on your sink faucets — they’ll help save up to 30% more water. This will lower your utility bill, likely substantially. Each of the six included attachments is made from metal with a polished finish. 22 A Clear Lazy Susan That’s An Organizer’s Dream Green says that this clear plastic turntable is perfect for “spice, condiment or pantry organization so you can find the essentials when you need them and keep counters clean!” It rotates smoothly and there’s a raised edge all the way around to ensure items don’t accidentally fall off. 23 Sturdy Picture-Hanging Strips That Come Off Easily Utilize these 16 hanging strips that are “perfect for hanging lightweight items,” according to Green — each one holds up to 10 pounds. When the time for removal rolls around, the strips won’t cause any damage to the wall (or any other smooth surface you attach it to); pull straight down on the adhesive strip to get it off. 24 A Wireless Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detector Combo Green refers to this smoke and carbon monoxide detector combo as “reliable,” which really is the most important factor in this kind of item. It’s powered by two AA batteries (no tricky wiring necessary), and the alarm will loudly sound if an issue is detected. It mounts in place using the included bracket. 25 Grow Bags So You Can Start A Garden Even In Small Spaces Don’t have enough room to start an outdoor garden? Think again: These five-gallon plant grow bags are ideal for “a small garden on patios or backyards, using limited space,” explains Green. Each of the five bags is made from a thick, durable fabric that will allow water to properly drain. 26 An Accurate Stud Finder To Securely Hang Things On Walls Referred to as “an essential tool in any home” by Rich Morris, who runs Top Shelf Handyman Pros , a stud finder like this one will help you more securely hang items on your walls. “It also keeps you from having to poke unnecessary holes in your walls looking for a stud,” he adds. You can utilize the tool as a level, too. 27 An Adhesive Door Draft Stopper To Lower Your Energy Bill Michael DiMartino, the SVP of project services at Power Home Remodeling , says that installing a door draft stopper like this one is a “fast, inexpensive and incredibly effective way to retain warmth within your home.” In addition to keeping out drafts, it also guards against odors, noise, and pests. This pick sticks in place with the adhesive on the back. 28 A Ladder Stabilizer For Damage Prevention & Safety DiMartino cautions that when propping your ladder against a wall, “you risk scraping or leaving damaging marks and scratches” should it slide. A ladder stabilizer prevents this — it also makes the ladder safer to climb and stand on. It’s designed to work with ladders of various sizes. 29 Rubber Gloves For Clearing Gutters & Other Wet Tasks For cleaning out gutters and other potentially wet spots, DiMartino says to “invest in a good pair of rubber work gloves — not ones made of cotton or leather” to keep your hands dry. These particular work gloves have a double-layer latex coating that makes them entirely waterproof and slip resistant. The long elastic cuffs keep out debris. 30 This Versatile & Compact Bag To Organize Your Tools Shreyas Sudhakar, the CEO of Vayu Industries Inc. , prefers this fabric tool bag over a metal or plastic toolbox for most homeowners since it takes up less space and is “super versatile.” It boasts eight interior pockets, 13 exterior pockets, and eight belts to organize your entire tool collection. Use the padded, adjustable strap for carrying. 31 A 3-Piece Testing Kit For Electric Troubleshooting For basic electrical troubleshooting, Sudhakar says this test kit is your best bet. It includes three components: a manual-ranging digital multimeter and “some handy tools like outlet testers and a voltage pen to see if a circuit is live,” he explains. 32 Outlet Covers That Lock For Extra Protection Keep little fingers out of your outlet sockets and get a cleaner look with these sliding covers ; the concept comes recommended by Joel Worthington, the president of Mr. Electric . The covers even lock for an extra layer of security. They’re straightforward to install — two of them are included. 33 An Outlet Extender With Built-In Surge Protection Worthington suggests an outlet extender that has surge protection, like this one, that “helps ensure sensitive electronics and equipment [aren’t] damaged.” Utilize its five outlets and four USB ports (including a USB-C one) to power various devices at once. 34 Cost-Saving LED Light Bulbs You Can Control With Your Voice Worthington favors LED light bulbs since they’re “energy-efficient and can help reduce electric bills.” And these particular ones have the added bonus of being smart — tweak the color temperature and brightness, set up schedules, and more with the Roku Smart Home mobile app or your voice via Roku Voice, Alexa, or a Google Assistant-enabled device. 35 Garage Door Lubricant To Extends Its Life This garage door lubricant is popular on Amazon with a near-perfect 4.7-star rating after 15,000-plus reviews. And Michael Brickner, the president of Precision Garage Door Service , says that regularly a lubriant like this one is essential since “reducing resistance in the door's movement minimizes strain on its components, helping to ensure the system lasts longer.” The lubricant sprays on in two ways, and it’ll dry quick and clear. 36 An Ultrasonic Pest Repellent With A Large Coverage Range Power Pest Control President Peter Power suggests utilizing a combination of pest control methods to effectively eliminate nuisances. And this ultrasonic pest repeller is one option to bring into the mix. It emits high-frequency waves to deter mice, spiders, mosquitoes, and more. The device has a surprisingly large coverage area of up to 1,200 square feet. 37 An Essential Oil-Based Spray To Get Rid Of Pests Another pest deterrent method Power suggests is a repellent spray like this one that’s proven to kill a range of bugs (including flying and crawling types), and then keep them from returning. It utilizes plant-based essential oils to give it an earthy cedarwood scent. Power recommends that you “change scents time to time to prevent these pests becoming accustomed to a single fragrance.” Various options are available in the listing. 38 The Mop Set An Expert Calls The “Fastest, Most Efficient & Easiest” Way To Clean Floors Stanley Chen, the owner of BerryClean , refers to this spin mop set as “the fastest, most efficient, and easiest complete mop system to use in a residential home.” Fill the bucket with up to two gallons of water (Chen says you could even add a little floor cleaner to it, too), then use the spin mop to get your floors squeaky clean. The spinning technology makes it simple to remove excess water. 39 A Gutter Block To Protect Your Foundation “Downspouts that dump water too close to your house are one of the biggest causes of foundation problems I see,” shares Aaron Lipman, the owner of Two Brothers Foundation Repair . An easy fix? A gutter splash block like this one that is designed to direct water away from your home (it’s 21 inches long). It’s made from recycled rubber that’s surprisingly durable. 40 Cement Filler So Small Cracks Won’t Turn Into Big Issues Hairline cracks in your driveway, patio, or garage floor may seem like no big deal. But Lipman cautions against ignoring them. “Water will seep in, and those small cracks can quickly spread, making repairs more expensive,” he shares. For repair, use this cement filler . It’s premixed, so you can shake it up and squeeze it directly onto the problem areas. It self-levels and will be ready to walk on in as few as 30 minutes. 41 Motion-Sensor Lights For Safety & Visibility “Tripping on an uneven walkway or steps at night is an easy way to get hurt, especially in older homes,” says Lipman. For better visibility, use motion-sensor lights that’ll flip on automatically when there’s movement nearby. “They also help keep unwanted visitors (people or animals) away from your property,” adds Lipman. The set comes with two lights that are powered by the sun. 42 Bamboo Gardening Gloves For Various Outdoor & Indoor Tasks Regardless if you’re a gardener or not, Jeremy Yamaguchi, the CEO of Lawn Love , thinks everyone should have a pair of gardening gloves on hand. “They are great to have when tending to plants and garden beds, of course. [...] They also help with other non-gardening tasks like picking up leaves, pinecones, and pine needles, as well as clearing out your gutters,” he explains. These particular gardening gloves fit snugly and the bamboo material they’re made from will keep you cool as you work. 43 Large Silica Gel Packets For Moisture Control Eric Bramlett, a realtor and the owner of Bramlett Real Estate , recommends scooping up this set of silica gel packets — that can absorb up to 40% of their weight in moisture — to “prevent [mold] and mildew in damp areas (like closets or basements).” It’s a cheap solution to help keep a potentially big problem in check. The set includes 25 packets that weigh 50 grams each. 44 A Waterproof Sealant To Fix Roof Cracks For Less Than $20 Crack in your roof? Brendan Anderson, the owner of Brix Systems , suggests applying a sealant spray like this one that creates an airtight, waterproof seal — it’s also resistant to temperature fluctuations. “It’s quick, easy to use, and saves you from a bigger headache down the line,” he adds. 45 A Kit To Keep Your Pool Clean If you own a pool or a hot tub, Rafi Friedman, the president of Coastal Luxury Nocatee Pool Builders , says that a cleaning kit is a must-have since it will “help your pool to stay cleaner for longer, and also make essential and expensive components like the heater and filter last longer.” The kit includes various maintenance tools like a net, brush heads, and more. Money
The Los Angeles Clippers have been one of the biggest surprises in an ultra-competitive Western Conference. Not much was expected of them once Paul George left the team in free agency to join the Philadelphia 76ers. Even less was expected of the Clippers once it was revealed Kawhi Leonard would not be ready to start the season. While Bill Simmons is hearing that Leonard should be back before Christmas , he hasn’t played through LA’s first 25 outings. Despite the adversity, the Clippers have a solid 14-11 record. Right now, that is good for sixth-best in the West which would keep them out of the Play-In Tournament. Of course, there is still a lot of season to go, plus Los Angeles has lost their last two games. Now the Clippers will be facing more adversity with the Derrick Jones Jr. injury news. Clippers Full-Time Starter Out Minimum Of Two Weeks Derrick Jones Jr. Injury News Not Good For LA The Clippers last played on Sunday where they fell to the Houston Rockets by the score of 117-106. Not only did they lose the game, but they lost one of their key pieces to injury. As announced by the team, Derrick Jones Jr. suffered a right hamstring strain during the contest. He will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Derrick Jones Jr. has a right hamstring strain and will he re-evaluated in two weeks, per the Clippers. — Dave McMenamin (@mcten) December 10, 2024 Jones Jr., a nine-year veteran, is in the midst of his first season with the Clippers. He signed a three-year, $30 million deal in free agency to join the team after spending last season with the Dallas Mavericks . The 6-foot-5 forward started all 22 postseason games for Dallas during their 2024 NBA Finals run (lost to the Boston Celtics). Both Jones Jr. and center Ivica Zubac were in the starting lineup for each of the Clippers first 25 outings of the season ( James Harden missed one game). Playing 25.0 minutes per contest, Jones Jr. has posted averages of 10.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 1.3 steals. The 27-year-old has shot 50.0% from the field, 41.7% from beyond the arc, and 87.1% from the foul line. The three-point accuracy would easily be a career-best for the nine-year veteran as his previous best came last season (34.3%). Clippers Have A Few Options To Take Jones Jr.’s Place In Starting Lineup With Jones Jr. being out for a minimum of two weeks, he will miss at least the Clippers next five games. Of course, that is just when he will be reevaluated, meaning he could be out even longer. Hamstring strains can linger sometimes. Los Angeles has a few options for who can replace Jones Jr. in the starting lineup for the meantime. Amir Coffey has started seven games this season and is averaging a career-high 10.2 points. They can go the veteran route and start 35-year-old Nicolas Batum . Or they could with the younger guy in second-year player Jordan Miller , who has seen his role expand in recent games. Or maybe Kawhi comes back at some point. Still, the Derrick Jones Jr. injury news is tough for a team that has over-exceeded expectations. The Clippers next play on Friday on the road against the Denver Nuggets . This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.
FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (AP) — A jury convicted two men on Friday of charges related to human smuggling for their roles in an international operation that led to the deaths of a family of Indian migrants who froze while trying to cross the Canada-U.S. border during a 2022 blizzard. Harshkumar Ramanlal Patel, 29, an Indian national who prosecutors say went by the alias “Dirty Harry,” and Steve Shand, 50, an American from Florida, were part of a sophisticated illegal operation that has brought increasing numbers of Indians into the U.S., prosecutors said. They were each convicted on four counts related to human smuggling, including conspiracy to bring migrants into the country illegally. “This trial exposed the unthinkable cruelty of human smuggling and of those criminal organizations that value profit and greed over humanity,” Minnesota U.S. Attorney Andy Luger said. “To earn a few thousand dollars, these traffickers put men, women and children in extraordinary peril leading to the horrific and tragic deaths of an entire family. Because of this unimaginable greed, a father, a mother and two children froze to death in sub-zero temperatures on the Minnesota-Canadian border,” Luger added. The most serious counts carry maximum sentences of up to 20 years in prison, the U.S. Attorney’s Office told The Associated Press before the trial. But federal sentencing guidelines rely on complicated formulas. Luger said Friday that various factors will be considered in determining what sentences prosecutors will recommend. Federal prosecutors said 39-year-old Jagdish Patel; his wife, Vaishaliben, who was in her mid-30s; their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi; and 3-year-old son, Dharmik, froze to death Jan. 19, 2022, while trying to cross the border into Minnesota in a scheme Patel and Shand organized. Patel is a common Indian surname, and the victims were not related to Harshkumar Patel. The couple were schoolteachers, local news reports said. The family was fairly well off by local standards, living in a well-kept, two-story house with a front patio and a wide veranda. Experts say illegal immigration from India is driven by everything from political repression to a dysfunctional American immigration system that can take years, if not decades, to navigate legally. Much is rooted in economics and how even low-wage jobs in the West can ignite hopes for a better life. Before the jury’s conviction on Friday, the federal trial in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, saw testimony from an alleged participant in the smuggling ring, a survivor of the treacherous journey across the northern border, border patrol agents and forensic experts. Defense attorneys were pitted against each other, with Shand’s team arguing that he was unwittingly roped into the scheme by Patel. Patel’s lawyers, The Canadian Press reported , said their client had been misidentified. They said “Dirty Hary,” the alleged nickname for Patel found in Shand’s phone, is a different person. Bank records and witness testimony from those who encountered Shand near the border didn’t tie him to the crime, they added. Prosecutors said Patel coordinated the operation while Shand was a driver. Shand was to pick up 11 Indian migrants on the Minnesota side of the border, prosecutors said. Only seven survived the foot crossing. Canadian authorities found the Patel family later that morning, dead from the cold. The trial included an inside account of how the international smuggling ring allegedly works and who it targets. Rajinder Singh, 51, testified that he made over $400,000 smuggling over 500 people through the same network that included Patel and Shand. Singh said most of the people he smuggled came from Gujarat state. He said the migrants would often pay smugglers about $100,000 to get them from India to the U.S., where they would work to pay off their debts at low-wage jobs in cities around the country. Singh said the smugglers would run their finances through “hawala,” an informal money transfer system that relies on trust. The pipeline of illegal immigration from India has long existed but has increased sharply along the U.S.-Canada border. The U.S. Border Patrol arrested more than 14,000 Indians on the Canadian border in the year ending Sept. 30, which amounted to 60% of all arrests along that border and more than 10 times the number two years ago. By 2022, the Pew Research Center estimates more than 725,000 Indians were living illegally in the U.S., behind only Mexicans and El Salvadorans. Jamie Holt, a Special Agent with Homeland Security Investigations, said the case is a stark reminder of the realities victims of human smuggling face. “Human smuggling is a vile crime that preys on the most vulnerable, exploiting their desperation and dreams for a better life,” Holt said. “The suffering endured by this family is unimaginable and it is our duty to ensure that such atrocities are met with the full force of the law.” One juror Kevin Paul, of Clearwater, Minnesota, told reporters afterward that it was hard for the jurors to see the pictures of the family’s bodies. He said he grew up in North Dakota and is familiar with the kind of conditions that led to their deaths. “It’s pretty brutal,” Paul said. “I couldn’t imagine having to do what they had to do out there in the middle of nowhere.” Goldberg reported from Minneapolis.None