The U.S.-Canada border, often less spotlighted than its southern counterpart, is witnessing an unprecedented increase in illegal crossings. In a startling revelation by Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, illegal entries have surged by 550 percent in the last fiscal year. This staggering figure translates to 6,925 apprehensions from 79 countries, marking a significant uptick from previous years.
Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents have seen an astonishing 550% increase compared to last year by recording 6,925 apprehensions from 79 different countries between 10/01/2022 to 9/30/2023.@USBPChief @CBP @DHSgov pic.twitter.com/RB0RAZ1URq
— Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia (@USBPChiefSWB) November 21, 2023
The Swanton Sector, spanning nearly 300 miles across northern New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, has historically seen lower numbers, with 1,000 migrants apprehended in 2022 and a mere 365 in 2021. The surge prompted federal authorities to deploy additional border patrol agents along the northeastern U.S. border with Quebec in March, reacting to the spike in illegal crossings.
These numbers reflect broader global trends in migration, with the highest levels since World War II, as noted by Colleen Putzel-Kavanaugh of the Migration Policy Institute. The northern border has become an increasingly popular route, differing by nationality, as the world sees people moving at faster rates.
While many politicians neglect the northern border, Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy has taken a firm stance, proposing the construction of two walls — one on the Mexican border and another on the Canadian border. His platform expands upon the border security policies of President Donald Trump.
We have a major crisis at the southern border, but Democrats and Republicans alike are ignoring a fast-growing crisis at our *northern border.* It’s not “Build-the-Wall” anymore. It’s Build *Both* Walls.
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) October 20, 2023
Democrats and Republicans alike are ignoring a fast-growing crisis at our *northern border.* The total number of illegal crossings at the northern border last January surpassed the preceding January apprehensions for the past 12 years *combined.* Human trafficking, drug…
— Vivek Ramaswamy (@VivekGRamaswamy) November 9, 2023
Ramaswamy has been vocal on the campaign trail and social media about the risks posed by illegal crossings, including human trafficking and drug smuggling. His call to action is clear: enforce laws and safeguard the nation’s borders to uphold the rule of law.
While some experts warn against the feasibility and environmental impact of such extensive fortifications on America’s northern border, the sharp increase in illegal activities there cannot be ignored.
As America grapples with these challenges, the conversation around border security remains as complex as ever. What is certain is that the influx of illegal entries at the U.S.-Canada border is a trend that cannot go unaddressed.
