Local police in New Hampshire say the Northern Border Alliance (NBA) is making a real difference in stopping illegal immigration near the Canadian border. As of July 26, 2025, this state-funded program stands out as a visible and effective way to keep the border area safe, according to law enforcement officials. The NBA’s increased police presence, funded by about $1.4 million, helps small towns and rural communities respond quickly to emergencies and discourages people from crossing the border illegally.
The NBA operates within 25 miles of the U.S.-Canada border, covering towns like Pittsburg, Berlin, and Colebrook, New Hampshire. These areas have limited police resources, so the NBA provides grants, overtime pay, equipment, and training to state, county, and local law enforcement. This support allows officers to work together across town lines, making it easier to patrol the vast, wooded border region.
From January to June 2025, the NBA reported 2,822 contacts with individuals, 673 motor vehicle stops, and 10 arrests. None of these arrests were directly for illegal border crossings. Instead, they involved offenses like illegal hunting, driving under the influence, suspended vehicle registrations, and outstanding warrants. The NBA also helped U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) seven times and responded to one report of suspicious border activity from Customs.
Police chiefs in the area, such as Paul Rella of Colebrook, say the NBA’s visible law enforcement presence acts as a strong deterrent. “It’s hard to count exactly how many people try to cross the border illegally because the wilderness is so big,” Rella explains. “But when people see more police, they’re less likely to try.” He adds that most cross-border movement now shifts away from New Hampshire into neighboring Vermont, where the police presence is not as strong.
The NBA began in 2023, started by former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu. He wanted to address growing concerns about illegal immigration and border security in the northern part of the state. The program funds overtime, equipment, and training for New Hampshire State Police and eight local or county police departments. The northern border with Canada 🇨🇦 is mostly open wilderness, stretching for hundreds of square miles. This makes it very hard to control every part of the border.
Not everyone supports the NBA. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Hampshire has criticized the program, saying illegal crossings in the state are very rare. The ACLU argues that the money would be better spent on things like housing, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services. They say the focus on border enforcement takes away from other important needs in the community.
Across the country, border enforcement has become a bigger focus in 2025. U.S. Customs and Border Protection reports a 93% drop in southwest border encounters compared to 2024. In May 2025, CBP says zero illegal aliens were released into the interior of the United States 🇺🇸. These numbers show that border enforcement is working, according to officials like Pete Flores, Acting Commissioner of CBP.
The northern border with Canada 🇨🇦 has also seen more cooperation between the United States 🇺🇸 and Canadian governments. This includes executive orders and agreements to work together on stopping illegal migration and drug trafficking. The NBA fits into this larger plan by helping state and local police work with federal agencies like CBP. Together, they share information and resources to keep the border secure.
Key people involved in the NBA include Colebrook Police Chief Paul Rella, New Hampshire Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn, and former Governor Chris Sununu. Commissioner Quinn provides regular reports to the governor about the NBA’s activities and results. The ACLU of New Hampshire continues to speak out against the program’s funding and focus, while federal officials like Pete Flores highlight the success of border enforcement efforts.
For small towns near the Canadian border, the NBA brings several benefits. Police departments with few officers can now keep a more regular and visible presence near the border. This helps discourage illegal immigration and other crimes. The program also improves emergency response times and allows police from different towns to help each other more easily. However, some community advocates worry that spending on border enforcement means less money for other important services, like housing and mental health care.
Looking ahead, the NBA is expected to keep getting state funding. Lawmakers continue to discuss whether money should go to border enforcement or other community needs. Some people are calling for more transparency and better data on how border patrol money is used. Federal and state officials will keep watching border activity and may adjust their policies as needed, working closely with Canadian authorities to address any new challenges.
The New Hampshire Department of Safety publishes regular progress reports on the Northern Border Alliance. These reports give details about the program’s activities and results. U.S. Customs and Border Protection also shares monthly statistics and updates on their official website. The ACLU of New Hampshire posts public statements and policy positions about border enforcement funding on their own site.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the Northern Border Alliance stands out as a key part of New Hampshire’s approach to border security. The program’s supporters say it helps keep communities safe and discourages illegal immigration near the Canadian border. Critics, however, believe the money could be better spent on other local needs.
For people living near the border, the NBA means more police on the roads and in the woods. This can make residents feel safer, but it can also raise concerns about privacy and the use of public funds. For immigrants and travelers, the increased law enforcement presence may make crossing the border more difficult, even for those with legal status.
If you want to learn more about border security or the Northern Border Alliance, you can visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection official website for the latest updates and statistics. You can also check the New Hampshire Department of Safety’s site for NBA progress reports.
In summary, the Northern Border Alliance is a major effort by New Hampshire to stop illegal immigration and keep the Canadian border secure. While the program has strong support from local police and some state officials, it also faces criticism from groups who want to see public money spent on other community needs. As border security remains a top issue, the NBA will likely continue to play a big role in the region’s law enforcement strategy. Residents, officials, and advocates will keep debating the best way to balance safety, privacy, and community support in the years ahead.
Learn Today
Northern Border Alliance → A New Hampshire program enhancing police for border security near Canada through funding and cooperation.
CBP → U.S. Customs and Border Protection, federal agency managing border security and immigration enforcement.
Illegal immigration → The act of crossing borders without legal permission or proper documentation.
Overtime pay → Extra wages paid to law enforcement officers working beyond regular hours for increased duty hours.
Suspended vehicle registration → The invalidation of a vehicle’s official registration, making its operation illegal until resolved.
This Article in a Nutshell
New Hampshire’s Northern Border Alliance enhances border security with $1.4 million funding, increasing police presence and cooperation. Between January and June 2025, the NBA made thousands of contacts and arrests for diverse offenses, improving safety and deterring illegal immigration along the Canadian border despite some local criticism.
— By VisaVerge.com
