Woman charged with smuggling people from Central America, including children, into U.S. from Canada

The U.S. Department of Justice logo is seen on a podium before a press conference, May 6, 2025, at the Justice Department in Washington. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, File)

A Michigan woman has been indicted by U.S. prosecutors after allegedly smuggling people, including children, from Central America into the U.S. through Canada.

In a press release shared by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Thursday, Norma Linda Lozano, 53, is charged with “conspiring to smuggle families, including young children, across (the Canadian) border for profit,” according to U.S. Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti.

The indictment comes after the Canadian Press reported Thursday that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi alleged human trafficking into the U.S. through its northern border with Canada has been worsening.

“This DOJ is investigating and prosecuting human smuggling more aggressively than ever before, and Joint Task Force Alpha is the tip of the spear,” Bondi said in the DOJ press release. “We will not rest until those who profit from the suffering of vulnerable people — including many unaccompanied children — face severe, comprehensive justice.”

When asked about Lozano’s case, a spokesperson for the Canadian Border Services Agency told CTVNews.ca that Canada has “a strong border, and we are making it stronger.”

“The CBSA and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) work alongside their partners to disrupt human smuggling networks and to combat international criminal organizations that seek to profit from the desperation and vulnerability of others.”

According to the DOJ press release, one incident saw Lozano transport people, including a five-year-old girl, from Guatemala and El Salvador.

“The child rode in the front passenger seat, and Lozano falsely claimed the child was her granddaughter,” according to investigators.

In another event, Lozano is alleged to have brought six adults along with an eight-year-old boy, and a 12-year-old girl across the border in one incident. Investigators say, “the girl was placed in the cargo area of the hatchback on top of luggage.”

U.S. prosecutors said the alleged smuggling incidents occurred in 2024 between February to November. Investigators say the organization Lozano was allegedly part of told people to “cross the border on foot, (was) provided GPS coordinates and a description of Lozano’s vehicle, and coordinated their pick-up once inside the United States,”

According to the press release, Lozano allegedly travelled from Michigan to Vermont to help the smuggled people by meeting them near the border, then bringing them deeper into the United States, according to prosecutors.

She is alleged to have brought the people to residences, airports and businesses. Lozano was allegedly paid by either the border crossers or their family members, according to the press release.

The allegations against Lozano have not been proven in court.