The U.S. northern border is grappling with a surge in illegal crossings, with apprehensions hitting unprecedented levels, prompting scrutiny of President Joe Biden’s border policies.
In March 2024, the Swanton Sector, renowned as the busiest northern border sector, witnessed a historic high in illegal crossings, with 1,109 individuals apprehended, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data. This figure starkly contrasts with the mere 37 apprehensions recorded in March 2021.
Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia revealed that the apprehended individuals hailed from 40 different countries, with India (408), Bangladesh (323), and Mexico (170) ranking as the top three countries of origin.
The surge in apprehensions intensified in the subsequent weeks, with 492 illegal border-crossers detained from April 28 to May 4, surpassing the total apprehensions for the entirety of fiscal year 2021, Garcia emphasized.
Apprehensions in Swanton Sector continue to break records! In the week of Aril 28th – May 4th we apprehended 492 undocumented migrants transcending the total number of apprehensions for all FY21. Please continue to report suspicious activity. pic.twitter.com/ZtMpxpHKzw
— Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia (@USBPChiefSWB) May 8, 2024
Similarly, the Champlain Border Patrol reported a record high of 220 apprehensions in a single week, setting a new benchmark for the Swanton Sector.
The trend of escalating apprehensions is evident across various timeframes, with Swanton Sector agents consistently surpassing previous records. In October 2023 alone, they apprehended 1,075 individuals, a significant increase from 25 recorded in October 2020.
Encompassing 295 miles of the U.S.-Canada boundary, the Swanton Sector spans Vermont, six upstate New York counties, and three New Hampshire counties, with 203 miles of land border and 92 miles along the St. Lawrence River.
Critics attribute the surge in illegal crossings to the Biden administration’s perceived lenient border policies. Since fiscal year 2021, apprehension numbers have seen a dramatic uptick, escalating from 27,180 to 189,402 in fiscal year 2023.
The absence of physical barriers along most parts of the U.S.-Canada border compounds the challenge, with vast stretches remaining unmanned and unpatrolled, unlike the U.S.-Mexico border.
Despite these challenges, Border Patrol agents continue to uphold their vigilance, with Chief Garcia commending the important role of local residents in identifying and reporting suspicious activities leading to apprehensions.
