Migrant Crossings Surge at Swanton Border: Analyzing 2020-2024 Trends

The U.S.-Canada border faces an unprecedented surge in migrant crossings, with the Swanton Border Patrol Sector at the epicenter of a growing crisis.

At a Glance

Swanton Sector encounters skyrocket from 574 in FY2020 to 19,222 in FY2024
Migrants from 97 countries apprehended, indicating diverse migratory wave
June 2024 saw peak of 3,310 apprehensions
Border Patrol increases staffing in response to the surge
Local residents report increased migrant activity on their properties

Northern Border Communities Grapple with Unprecedented Migrant Surge

The tranquil communities along the U.S.-Canada border are experiencing a dramatic shift as unprecedented numbers of migrants attempt to cross into the United States. The Swanton Border Patrol Sector, covering parts of New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, has become the focal point of this escalating situation. With over 15,000 encounters in fiscal year 2024, the sector has seen a staggering increase from previous years, leaving local residents and officials struggling to adapt.

The surge in crossings has not gone unnoticed by local property owners. Many have reported increased migrant activity on their land, raising concerns about safety and security in these typically quiet border regions. Despite these worries, local authorities have reported no substantial increase in crime related to the migrant crossings, a fact that aligns with broader studies indicating immigrants are less likely to commit crimes than U.S.-born individuals.

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Federal Response and Policy Changes

In response to the escalating situation, the Biden administration has implemented changes to expedite asylum processing and deportations at the northern border. These new policies aim to streamline the process while maintaining fair procedures for asylum seekers. However, the changes have drawn criticism from immigrant rights advocates who argue that the expedited process may compromise due process.

“DHS carefully reviewed its implementation of the Safe Third Country Agreement with Canada and concluded that it could streamline that process at the border without impacting noncitizens’ ability to have access to a full and fair procedure for determining a claim to asylum or equivalent temporary protection,” the department added.

One significant change involves the “Safe Third Country” asylum agreement with Canada, which now allows for quicker returns of asylum-seekers across the border. Migrants must now have their documents ready for screenings to determine if they are subject to the agreement, with the consultation time with lawyers reduced from 24 hours to a minimum of four hours.

Challenges Faced by Border Patrol and Local Communities

The Swanton Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol has been particularly hard-hit by this influx. Between October 1, 2022, and December 31, 2022, the sector recorded a 743% increase in apprehensions and encounters compared to the same period the previous year. This surge has stretched resources thin and prompted the agency to temporarily reassign agents from other sectors to bolster their ranks.

“Our agents are very busy,” said Josh Cozzens, special operations supervisor for the border patrol’s Swanton Sector, which is based in Vermont but also oversees New Hampshire and parts of northern New York. “We have seen a number of apprehensions that we’ve never seen in our recorded history in this area.”

The northern border poses unique challenges due to its vast stretches of difficult terrain, including mountains and lowland swamps. These natural barriers become even more treacherous during the harsh winter months, raising concerns about the safety of both migrants and border patrol agents.

The Human Cost and Criminal Exploitation

As the number of crossings increases, so does the risk to human life. Transnational criminal organizations are exploiting the increased flow of human traffic for profit, with little regard for the welfare of the individuals involved. This callous approach puts migrants at severe risk, especially when attempting to cross in dangerous conditions.

“Unfortunately, the transnational criminal organizations that stand to profit from the increased flow of human traffic care only about profits and have no concern for the welfare of those whose plight they seek to exploit for financial gain,” he added.

The surge at the northern border comes at a time when illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border have decreased significantly. This shift in migration patterns suggests that human smugglers may be redirecting traffic to the northern border due to increased enforcement in the south. As federal officials and local communities grapple with this evolving crisis, the need for comprehensive and humane border security measures has never been more apparent.