Champlain, Quebec – Human smuggling activity is surging along the Quebec-New York border, as the RCMP’s Champlain border patrol unit, led by Sgt. Daniel Dubois, faces an unprecedented wave of irregular crossings. Patrols in this rural stretch, known for its forests and farmlands, have detected increasing vehicle traffic tied to human smuggling operations, where vehicles—often rentals from Ontario—speedily drop off migrants near the border. The RCMP’s efforts to intercept these illegal crossings, however, face challenges due to limited grounds for traffic stops and the sophistication of smuggling networks.
U.S. Border Patrol encounters along this northern border have quadrupled in recent years, with nearly 12,000 apprehensions recorded in 2023. Deputy Patrol Agent Jonathan LaHart, overseeing the Swanton Sector in New York State, highlights the dangers migrants face, such as treacherous terrain and severe weather conditions. The uptick in cross-border smuggling, driven by global economic and political instability, has strained both Canadian and U.S. enforcement resources and sparked concerns among local U.S. communities about border security. The Canadian government is now intensifying its screening measures to address this growing issue.