by Guy Page
Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents have apprehended more than 15,000 subjects in less than 10 months, which has exceeded the total number of apprehensions made by Swanton Sector in the previous 13 fiscal years combined (FY11-FY23), BP spokesperson said on the Swanton Sector Facebook page.
The Swanton Sector covers the eastern NY border, all of Vermont’s border, and all of New Hampshire’s.
“We continue to see record breaking illicit cross border activity,” the spokesperson said. “We thank the community for their support. Please continue to report suspicious border activity by calling 1-800-689-3362.”
At least one follower of the FB page blamed the prime minister of Canada, Justin Trudeau: “Trudeau plays a huge part in this mess. He welcomed them all with open arms. As soon as they land in Canada, they head to the US. (Country of free handouts).”
Washington has responded to public concern about unprecedented border crossings with at least two recent actions – one from the Biden administration, another from a New Hampshire Democrat U.S. Senator.
A recent CBS news story said the Biden administration is trying to reduce the number of illegal crossings by streamlining the process for asylum seekers. Specifically, the government would require asylum seekers to document their country of origin, to determine if they can be legally returned to Canada or their home country. Also, the length of time for their allotted hearing with an immigration officer would be reduced.
Also, Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) on July 31 introduced the Cross-Border Aerial Law Enforcement Act, a study bill on a proposed drone agreement between Canada and the U.S.. The study would be required to be finished a year from the passage of the bill. Failure to finish the study within two years would trigger an investigation into why it hasn’t been finished.
The bill is co-sponsored by two southern border Republicans. Neither Sen. Bernie Sanders, nor Sen. Peter Welch who helped appoint a Vermont resident and drone expert to direct the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), co-sponsored the bill.