Kamala Harris' Border Visit criticized Amid 19,000 Illegal Immigrants Caught in U.S.-Canada Border

In a significant surge, the U.S. Border Patrol's Swanton Sector along the U.S.-Canadian border has witnessed a staggering spike in illegal immigration, with over 19,000 apprehensions reported in the past fiscal year alone, culminating in a substantial rise in unlawful crossings.

Record Number of Apprehensions

According to U.S. Border Patrol officials, during the fiscal year 2024, spanning from October 1, 2023, to Monday, agents in the Swanton Sector apprehended illegal immigrants from 97 different countries. The alarming figure of 19,222 migrants apprehended in the sector surpasses the combined total of the past 17 years, marking an unprecedented escalation in unlawful border crossings.

Year-by-Year Breakdown

The spike in apprehensions over the years has been staggering. In FY 2020, agents in the Swanton Sector apprehended a mere 574 illegal immigrants, which further dropped to 365 the following year. However, the figures began to climb significantly in subsequent years, with 1,065 apprehensions in FY 2022 and a staggering 6,925 in FY 2023, as per Border Patrol data. The overwhelming number of apprehensions in the Swanton Sector has raised concerns about border security and the effectiveness of immigration policies, leading to calls for enhanced measures to address the escalating crisis at the U.S.-Canadian border

Geographical Scope of the Swanton Sector

The Swanton Sector covers a vast area of 24,000 square miles, encompassing Vermont and various counties in New York and New Hampshire, including Clinton, Essex, Franklin, St. Lawrence, and Herkimer counties of New York, as well as Coos, Grafton, and Carroll counties of New Hampshire. Strategically positioned along the border with the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario, this sector has become a focal point for illegal crossings, prompting heightened scrutiny from law enforcement agencies.

Federal Responses and Policy Criticism

Amid the escalating crisis, President Biden's executive order restricting asylum for most illegal crossings does not extend to the northern border, raising questions about the adequacy of federal responses to the surge in illegal immigration. The Biden administration has faced scrutiny for its immigration policies, particularly regarding security measures at the southern border with Mexico, while the situation at the northern border has garnered attention as well.

Concerns Over Criminal Element

The surge in illegal immigration has raised concerns about the potential presence of individuals with criminal backgrounds among the apprehended migrants. Data provided by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last week revealed that tens of thousands of illegal immigrants with sex offenses and homicide convictions were reportedly at large in the streets. This revelation has sparked intensified scrutiny and calls for comprehensive measures to address the intersection of immigration and public safety.

The issue has also extended to so-called "sanctuary" cities that refuse to cooperate with federal law enforcement agencies in deporting illegal immigrant criminals. In a statement, ICE directed criticism towards these jurisdictions, emphasizing the need for collaboration to enhance public safety and uphold the rule of law.

Media Coverage

Louis Casiano, a reporter for Fox News Digital, has been at the forefront of covering this pressing issue, shedding light on the escalating illegal immigration crisis at the U.S.-Canadian border. As the situation continues to evolve, Casiano's reporting provides valuable insights into the challenges facing border security and immigration enforcement efforts.