Northern Border Apprehensions Surpass Previous 13 Years Combined Amid Resource Diversion

As the southern border faces a surge in crossings and high-speed chases, a northern border sector has seen more apprehensions this fiscal year than the previous 13 combined, highlighting the need for increased resources and a comprehensive approach to border security.

Amidst the ongoing crisis at the southern border, a northern border sector has experienced a dramatic increase in apprehensions, surpassing the combined total of the previous 13 years. According to a report by CBS 19, the Swanton Border Sector has recorded roughly 15,000 apprehensions in the first 10 months of fiscal 2024, shattering previous records and exceeding the previous year's total by over 14,000.

This surge in apprehensions is not isolated to the Swanton Sector. The Canadian border as a whole has also witnessed a significant increase in traffic, setting a record of 190,000 encounters in fiscal 2023 and over 162,000 so far in the current fiscal year. This influx has prompted concerns that the resource diversion to combat the flow of migrants at the southern border is leaving the northern border vulnerable.

Northern Border Apprehensions Surpass Previous 13 Years Combined Amid Resource Diversion

According to Lora Ries, director of the Heritage Foundation's Border Security and Immigration Center, the northern border presents unique challenges for the U.S. Border Patrol due to its vastness, covering over double the number of miles as the southern border with Mexico. Furthermore, the inclusion of maritime crossings throughout the Great Lakes region adds complexity to border security operations.

Experts argue that the Biden administration's permissive immigration policies and the need for additional resources at the southern border have exacerbated the situation on the northern border. The open border policy, they claim, has offered an incentive for individuals to cross illegally, leading to an increase in apprehensions and the movement of migrants to different crossings based on the circumstances.

Northern Border Apprehensions Surpass Previous 13 Years Combined Amid Resource Diversion

The increase in apprehensions at the northern border includes migrants from over 85 different countries, demonstrating the global reach of illicit crossings. Ries emphasizes that smugglers and traffickers are adapting to changing conditions, highlighting the need for a flexible and comprehensive approach to border security.

In response to the report, a White House spokesperson stated that President Biden has sought bipartisan solutions to secure the border and address the immigration system. However, the spokesperson noted that congressional Republicans have failed to cooperate, voting against a proposed bipartisan border security agreement.

Northern Border Apprehensions Surpass Previous 13 Years Combined Amid Resource Diversion

Ries maintains that numbers are likely to continue rising as long as the current administration remains in place. She expresses concern that the reinstatement of the CHNV parole program, which has faced fraud allegations, will further strain the northern border.

The divergence of resources to address the crisis at the southern border has left the northern border vulnerable. As apprehensions rise, experts call for a balanced distribution of resources and a comprehensive strategy that addresses the unique challenges of both the northern and southern borders. Only through a coordinated approach can the United States effectively secure its borders and uphold its national security interests.

Northern Border Apprehensions Surpass Previous 13 Years Combined Amid Resource Diversion