Illegal border crossings into US from Canada surge 800 percent

The United States Border Patrol is calling on agents from across the nation to help out in the northeastern Swanton Sector as it continues to deal with an unprecedented influx of migrants entering the country from Canada. 

The sector, which includes Vermont, New Hampshire, and parts of New York, has seen an 843 percent increase in illegal crossings since October. 



According to FOX News' Bill Melugin, the agency is hoping to recruit volunteers for deployment as soon as March 1.

"Swanton Sector is experiencing an increase in illegal entries (primarily Mexican migrants with no legal documents to enter the United States) from Canada," Assistant Chief Juan E. Garcia said in an email. "Due to the increased numbers, stations are task saturated with processing large groups, which has contributed to gotaway events, pedestrian, and vehicle incursions."

"Sectors," Garcia stated, "will solicit for volunteers to deploy in support of Operation Jagkommando, transportation, detentions, and custody operations as well as flighline security operations."

He went on to explain that the deployments "will be sustained until such a time as organic resources are able to manage the influx of illegal migrants," but noted that those who choose to volunteer for deployment "should be prepared to travel on Wednesday, March 01, 2023 ... and plan for return travel on Saturday, April 01, 2023." 

According to the USCBP, despite near-constant sub-zero temperatures, the Swanton Sector has seen more migrant encounters since the beginning of FY23 in October than were recorded FY21 and FY22 combined. In January 2023 alone there were 367 apprehensions and encounters, more than the previous twelve Januarys combined. V

"As we progress deeper into winter and continue to address the ongoing pace of illicit cross-border traffic, the level of concern for the lives and welfare of our Border Patrol Agents and those we are encountering - particularly vulnerable populations - continues to climb," Swanton Sector Chief Patrol Agent Robert N. Garcia said. "It cannot be stressed enough: not only is it unlawful to circumvent legal means of entry into the United States, but it is extremely dangerous, particularly in adverse weather conditions, which our Swanton Sector has in incredible abundance."