BUFFALO, N.Y. — An investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Buffalo and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) resulted in the guilty plea of Olesia Sumina for resisting a federal immigration officer. Sumina, age 43 and of Russia, was sentenced to time served.
HSI Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan; U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, for the Western District of New York; and CBP Director of Field Operations Rose Brophy, for the Buffalo Field Office, announced the plea on Nov. 26.
According to the investigation:
On Oct. 9, 2024, Sumina traveled to Canada with her two children to file an immigration asylum claim. The claim was refused by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which resulted in Sumina being driven by CBSA to the Peace Bridge Point of Entry. CBSA officers informed CBP officers that Sumina became difficult to deal with during transport and that she had spit inside their vehicle.
CBP officers attempted to interview Sumina utilizing a language translation application but were unsuccessful. Sumina was uncooperative throughout the interview and was also reluctant to provide her personal information. As CBP officers attempted to gain access to Sumina’s cellular telephone, she grabbed the phone and quickly put it in her pocket. As CBP officers attempted to retrieve the phone, Sumina quickly became aggressive towards them and resisted multiple comply commands.