FARGO, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A Romanian woman faces federal charges for illegal reentry into the United States after being caught crossing the Canadian Border with seven other people, including five children.
Simona Gunici was arrested on October 4 near Langdon, North Dakota, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court. Border Patrol agents stopped a black Volkswagen Atlas with Quebec license plates at a gas station after tracking the vehicle from a remote camera activation at the border.
The complaint says Gunici had been ordered to be removed from the country in 2016.
Previous removal order
Court documents show Gunici was first arrested by Border Patrol agents in Yuma, Arizona, in August 2012. An immigration judge ordered her to be removed from the country in October 2016 after she failed to appear for proceedings.
Gunici was arrested again in September 2018 near Massena, New York on similar charges. She was also encountered at the Miami International Airport in August 2023 and allowed to depart to Turkey.
Police in Folsom, California, encountered Gunici in December 2022 during an investigation into a jewelry theft scheme. The department circulated a public notice that included her photograph.
October arrest details
According to an affidavit from a Border Patrol Agent, remore cameras detected a vehicle driving through a field about five miles west of Maida, North Dakota, on October 4.
The vehicle was spotted in Langdon and followed by agents. They noted that the driver appeared to be trying to avoid observation. The vehicle was stopped at a gas station around 10:22 a.m.
All eight occupants, including five children, told agents they were Romanian citizens and were transported to the Pembina Border Patrol Station for processing.
Court proceedings
Gunici was informed of her rights on October 5 and declined to answer any questions. She was also advised of her right to contact Romanian consular officials, but did not request to do so.
Gunicic is scheduled for an initial appearance and arraignment on November 12 in federal court in Fargo. She remains in custody at the Grand Forks County Correctional Center and will be held until the case is resolved.
The charge of illegal reentry after removal carries potential penalties under federal immigration law.
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