U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) recorded a staggering 743 percent year-over-year increase in illegal border crossings from Canada at the Swanton Sector, which spans New York, Vermont and New Hampshire, between October and December 2022. The increase comes after the U.S. saw a record number of border apprehensions in the 2022 fiscal year.
According to the CPB, combined apprehension and encounters this fiscal year “have already surpassed that of Fiscal Year 2022 and recent trends represent a sustained increase in illegal border crossings as we head into the harshest winter months.”
In December, more than 400 illegal immigrants were detained by border agents in the Swanton Sector, CBP statistics show.
The Center Square reported that the illegal immigrants first flew to Canada from at least 19 different countries.
Robert Garcia, chief patrol agent of the Swanton Sector, shared photos on Twitter showing illegal immigrants crossing the U.S.-Canada border in frigid temperatures and snowy conditions.
“Reckless Endangerment: In freezing temperatures over uncertain terrain, families with children, from just a few months old, continue to illegally cross from Canada into the U.S. The risk to human lives—including #BorderPatrol Agents—is increasing. Illegal & irresponsible,” he tweeted.
“In less than four months, Swanton Sector’s apprehensions have surpassed the COMBINED two prior years (FY2021-2022). In the face of this adversity, our #BorderPatrol Agents remain steadfast in their portrayal of our ideals: Vigilance, Integrity, & Service to Country. #HonorFirst,” Garcia wrote in a separate tweet.
The CBP recorded more than half a million illegal immigrant encounters in the first 74 days of FY23. According to CBP data, agents recorded 2,378,944 apprehensions, expulsions and “inadmissibles” in the 2022 fiscal year.
“Inadmissables” refers to individuals at ports of entry who are seeking lawful admission into the United States but are determined to be inadmissible, individuals presenting themselves to seek humanitarian protection under our laws, and individuals who withdraw an application for admission and return to their countries of origin within a short timeframe.
