Northern Border Patrol agents are encountering challenges from attempts to cross the border, especially as President Trump intensifies measures at the southern border with Mexico.
Recently, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in Houlton, Maine, announced on May 2 that a targeted enforcement initiative resulted in the apprehension of 39 undocumented migrants within a span of ten days.
The individuals detained included nationals from Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and China.
This year, Maine has seen more illegal immigration arrests than it did throughout all of last year.
Craig Shepley, chief patrol agent for the Houlton Sector, expressed in a statement, “The US Border Patrol will continue its operations aimed at apprehending individuals with criminal backgrounds when necessary. These actions are part of our commitment to ensure safety and security for both Maine and the wider United States.”
Some of those arrested had previous criminal records, including violent offenses and property crimes. One immigrant faced charges for re-entering the United States illegally, according to Justice Department officials.
CBP has cautioned potential border crossers about the consequences they may face if they attempt to enter the country unlawfully.
“Maintaining the security and integrity of our borders is our main goal,” an agency release noted. “Those found illegally in the US or involved in smuggling operations will be apprehended, and penalties will follow.”
