Overview
- The group, which crossed Friday through remote woods along Maine's Golden Road, was reported by maple sugar workers who saw them walking south toward the United States.
- All four pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge of entry without inspection and are being held without bail pending trial, which carries up to six months in prison and a fine.
- An affidavit describes GoPro footage of the men confirming they were on U.S. soil, plus searches for routes from Bangor to Boston that prosecutors say contradict claims they were just hiking.
- Agents later found a gray Nissan out of gas with two U.S. citizens inside, seized a loaded 9mm handgun, and noted texts and an admission that a pickup was planned in what officials called a suspected smuggling event.
- Court filings list Ali Mohammed Ali Abdullah as the lead defendant and note a prior deportation, a denied visa extension in March 2025, and Canadian records showing his arrival on April 1, with his trial set for June 3.