Apprehensions of illegal migrants in US-Canada border sector drops significantly
The Trump administration has seen a significant decline in the number of illegal immigrants apprehended along the Swanton Sector, a northern border area that was once overwhelmed by unlawful crossings. According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, only 54 illegal immigrants were caught last month in the sector, which spans over 300 miles.
This marks a drastic 95% drop from the more than a thousand border crossings that were recorded in March 2024. The Swanton Sector was a major hotspot for illegal immigration, accounting for over 80% of all apprehensions along the northern border during the 2024 fiscal year.
In fiscal year 2024, a total of 19,222 illegal immigrants were apprehended in the Swanton Sector, coming from 97 different countries, as reported by sector Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia. This figure was higher than the total number of apprehensions in the past 17 years combined. In comparison, there were 574 apprehensions in FY 2020 and 365 in FY 2021.
The Swanton Sector covers a vast area of 24,000 square miles, including parts of Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire, as well as bordering Canadian provinces. Despite the significant decrease in apprehensions, Garcia emphasized that the mission of border security continues as individuals still attempt to smuggle humans and contraband into the country illegally.
Under the Trump administration, the catch and release of illegal migrants dropped by 99.99% compared to the Biden administration. In December 2023, 189,604 migrants were released into the United States during the height of the border crisis, whereas in February, only 20 illegal immigrants were caught and released by Border Patrol agents.
The efforts to secure the northern border have shown promising results under the Trump administration, with a sharp decline in illegal crossings and apprehensions in the Swanton Sector. The administration’s strict border policies have played a crucial role in curbing illegal immigration and enhancing national security.
