Lawyer Found at Niagara Falls Rainbow Bridge Charged in Smuggling Case, Revealed to be Fugitive from Israel

Niagara Action
57 minutes ago
3 min read

A dual U.S.-Israeli citizen facing federal charges tied to an alleged human smuggling attempt at the Rainbow Bridge is now being described by prosecutors as a fugitive from Israel.

Federal authorities say 46-year-old Israel Enden, who was arrested in January after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered a man concealed under luggage in a rented SUV, had failed to disclose a critical detail during earlier court proceedings—he was already wanted overseas.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan Fitzgerald, Enden had been facing multiple criminal prosecutions in Israel related to alleged real estate fraud, forgery, and money laundering. In a court filing, Fitzgerald stated, "Instead of appearing in court to answer those charges, the defendant fled Israel allegedly with a fake passport." He further argued, "The fact that the defendant was found attempting to bring Wigdorowitz, his co-conspirator in the Israeli criminal case, unlawfully into the United States, while fleeing criminal charges in Israel, underscores his disregard for the rule of law and the extraordinary risk of flight he poses."

Prosecutors allege that Enden violated bail conditions previously imposed in Israel that restricted his travel and prohibited contact with co-defendants. Authorities there have since issued an arrest warrant.

The revelations surfaced after Enden sought to ease the strict terms of his home confinement in Buffalo. Earlier, U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael J. Roemer had allowed his release on a $125,000 bond secured by Bronx property, placing him on electronic monitoring and limiting his movements to essential activities such as medical appointments, court appearances and religious services.

Enden had been residing in an apartment near a synagogue in North Buffalo, relying on support from members of his religious community. His attorney, Robert Singer, described his client’s situation in court filings, stating, "the goodwill of strangers from his religious community," and adding that Enden was "totally dependent on these stranger-benefactors to live," including transportation for basic needs.

Singer also requested that the court loosen restrictions to allow Enden to travel to New York City for Passover. In that filing, he emphasized, "Mr. Enden is an orthodox Jew," and added, "Next week is Passover, one of the holiest times of the year. Mr. Enden would like to celebrate Passover not just with strangers, but his family who he originally came to visit in New York City."

That request was later withdrawn.

Federal authorities also opposed returning Enden’s passport citing concerns about his past conduct. Fitzgerald warned in court filings, "Given his history of international travel, use of fraudulent documents, and current fugitive status in Israel, returning his passport would create an unacceptable risk."

He further argued, "Allowing the defendant to open a new bank account while facing allegations of fraud and money laundering raises serious concerns that he may use such an account to engage in further criminal conduct or marshal funds to abscond."

Enden had previously told investigators he was unaware that another individual, identified as Elazar Wigdorowitz, was hidden inside the vehicle when he crossed the border. Authorities have expressed skepticism about that claim.

The defense has pushed back against the charges, with Singer stating in court filings, "Prosecutors want Mr. Enden to admit to something that he did not do," and adding, "Mr. Enden is not able to placate these prosecutors’ wishes. That is why we demanded an immediate trial."

Following the latest developments, Judge Roemer revoked Enden’s release and ordered him held in federal custody under the U.S. Marshals Service as the case proceeds.