Key Takeaways
• Maine’s Houlton Sector agents detained 39 people crossing from Canada without legal papers in May 2025.
• Northern border arrests jumped from 2,238 in 2022 to 23,721 in 2024, showing a sharp upward trend.
• Some detainees had prior criminal records; enforcement focuses on arresting, prosecuting, and removing criminal aliens.
In early May 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents working in Maine’s Houlton Sector made a major announcement: during a ten-day period of enforcement actions, 39 people were caught trying to enter the United States 🇺🇸 from Canada 🇨🇦 without legal papers. This recent activity has put a spotlight on the northern U.S. border—a border that usually does not get as much attention as the country’s southern line with Mexico 🇲🇽. Among those captured, there was at least one Chinese national, along with others from countries such as El Salvador 🇸🇻, Venezuela 🇻🇪, Nicaragua 🇳🇮, Jamaica 🇯🇲, and the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴.
This story is important for several reasons. First, the number of illegal crossings in Maine, and along the entire northern border, has gone up quickly in a short amount of time. Second, some of those detained had criminal backgrounds, which worries immigration officials and the local community. Third, these changes are happening during a time when the United States government is trying to make its borders tighter under President Trump, especially along well-known routes for crossing. Let’s look more closely at each of these points.
Northern Border Crossings on the Rise
The northern border, which stretches for thousands of miles between the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦, has not seen as many illegal crossings as the southern border with Mexico 🇲🇽. However, recent reports show a clear increase. In the entire year of 2022, agents caught only 2,238 people crossing this border. That number jumped to 10,021 in 2023. By 2024, that figure soared all the way to 23,721, which is more than double the year before. Even though this is still just about 1.5% of all border arrests nationwide, the quick climb in numbers is catching everyone’s attention.
Maine is at the center of this rise. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials said that more people have already been caught in Maine in 2025 than during the whole year in 2024. This suggests the trend is still picking up speed.
The Swanton Sector—an area of the northern border covering parts of Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire—has also become a busy spot. In March 2024 alone, this sector saw 50% more illegal crossings than in March 2023. Compared to March 2021, there has been a huge jump of more than 2,000%. These big increases show that both the demand for entry at the northern border and the risks for those trying to cross have grown a lot.
This trend raises important questions. Why are more people turning to the northern border? Some experts in immigration believe that tighter rules and stricter checks at the southern border with Mexico 🇲🇽 have led migrants to look for other routes, including remote locations along the Canada 🇨🇦 – United States 🇺🇸 line. The rough forests, open fields, and less obvious security in many parts of the northern border make it an attractive alternative for those trying to avoid detection.
Recent Actions and Criminal Backgrounds
When U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers in the Houlton Sector reported the arrest of 39 individuals in early May 2025, they also revealed something else of concern. Some of those caught already had criminal records in the United States 🇺🇸. Offenses included assault and battery on a family member, having a weapon when not allowed, and theft, among others.
One person in the group was not only caught attempting to enter again but was also charged with “illegal re-entry.” In simple words, illegal re-entry means trying to sneak back into the country after being removed by the authorities—a crime under U.S. law. This crime can mean up to two years in prison.
“The United States Border Patrol will persist in its operations to identify and detain criminal aliens for arrest, prosecution, and removal when necessary,” said Craig Shepley, the Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the Houlton Sector, as reported by VisaVerge.com. This statement makes it clear that there will be no pause in border enforcement actions, especially when dealing with people found to have criminal histories.
When the group of 39 was questioned, officials found that not all were from the same country. There was a mix of nationalities, showing that the northern border is now a crossing point for people from around the world, including those from China 🇨🇳. For local communities and policymakers, finding a Chinese national among those arrested is just another reminder that border security is not limited to one region or one type of traveler.
Why the Northern Border?
Historically, most people tried to enter without papers at the southern border with Mexico 🇲🇽. In response, President Trump’s administration placed stricter rules and tougher enforcement in those southern areas. When routes become harder or riskier, those seeking to cross often look for other, less guarded places. In this case, the northern border has presented a new option.
Some of the reasons the northern border is chosen include:
– Fewer border agents covering longer stretches of land.
– More remote, forested, or isolated areas making it harder to spot crossers.
– Less physical fencing or high-tech surveillance compared to the southern border.
It’s important to remember, though, that crossing the northern border is not easy or safe. Many areas are remote and can have harsh winter weather. There are also legal risks. Anyone caught entering without papers, regardless of the area, is subject to arrest and removal.
National Trends Show a Different Picture
While the recent jump in northern border crossings is clear, the nationwide picture looks quite different. Over the first months of 2025, total border arrests across all U.S. borders have actually gone down. For instance, in February 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded just 28,654 “encounters”—which means people stopped for entering or trying to enter without proper papers. Of these, 11,709 took place along the Southwest border.
This nationwide figure shows an 80% drop from January 2025. And when looking just at the northern border, the number of people caught who were “inadmissible” dropped by 72% in February 2025 compared to February the year before.
The Trump administration credits these drops to several steps they’ve taken:
– Better enforcement of existing laws.
– Taking back or canceling some policies from before.
– Stronger partnerships with state and local law enforcement.
– Working more closely with the military.
Taken together, these measures appear to be slowing illegal entries through many main routes but are possibly pushing people to try less traditional ones—such as the remote parts of the northern border between the United States 🇺🇸 and Canada 🇨🇦.
What Does This Mean for Immigrants and Local Communities?
The sharp rise in illegal border crossings in Maine and other parts of the north has real effects on both migrants and local communities. For those seeking to enter the United States 🇺🇸, the growing U.S. Customs and Border Protection presence means higher risk of arrest. Additionally, migrants coming with past criminal records could face even more severe consequences if caught.
For instance, one person recently caught in Maine was prosecuted not just for entering without papers, but for illegal re-entry after being deported earlier—a more serious charge under U.S. law that can lead to prison time. The mix of people from countries like China 🇨🇳, El Salvador 🇸🇻, and Jamaica 🇯🇲 shows that global migration patterns are changing, and not only people from neighboring countries are trying to enter the United States 🇺🇸.
For local communities in Maine and other border areas, safety is a big issue. The fact that some of those caught already had shown past violence or theft makes residents worry about crime. At the same time, local governments also have to spend more resources to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection and process more cases, often with limited staff.
The Changing Face of Border Security
As the Trump administration continues to reshape immigration policy, the focus remains not just on stopping crossings, but on catching people with past criminal histories and deporting them quickly. The stronger presence and more organized operations by U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents have played a key role in the recent drop in total border arrests nationwide. But these gains come with new challenges, as people adapt and look for different ways and places to cross.
Data makes the shift clear:
– Northern border arrests: 2,238 in 2022, 10,021 in 2023, and 23,721 in 2024.
– Swanton Sector: 50% jump in crossings from March 2023 to March 2024, and over 2,000% increase since March 2021.
– Total nationwide border encounters in February 2025: 28,654—a major drop from just one month earlier.
These figures show that while stronger policies can reduce illegal entries in some places, they may cause an increase in others, especially in locations that have not been traditional routes.
What Comes Next?
The ongoing changes in illegal crossing patterns mean that U.S. Customs and Border Protection must remain alert. Law enforcement needs to keep adjusting their tactics as people choose new paths. The focus on apprehending criminal aliens will likely continue, and the partnership with local and state law enforcement and military units remains important.
For people hoping to enter the United States 🇺🇸, the message is clear: there are serious consequences for entering without papers, especially if you have a criminal past. For local communities along the border, these trends mean more patrols—and sometimes, more worry.
Immigration experts recommend staying updated on the latest enforcement rules if you live near a border or work in areas like legal, social, or emergency services. Changes can happen quickly, and local areas must be flexible. For those needing further guidance or looking to understand border rules, the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website offers important resources on border policies and processes.
The recent rise in northern border crossings, including the capture of a Chinese national in Maine, is a sign that immigration flows can change fast. As reported by VisaVerge.com, local officials and the national government are now paying closer attention to these trends and promise to keep the public informed. While the United States 🇺🇸 continues to balance security and legal methods for people to enter or visit, everyone can expect ongoing changes in how borders are watched and protected.
If you want official data or rules about border crossings and immigration, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website (https://www.cbp.gov/) provides up-to-date information from government sources. Whether you’re a migrant, a lawyer, or a concerned local resident, knowing where to find clear facts can help you make better decisions as immigration policies change.
To sum up, what is happening in Maine’s Houlton Sector and across the northern border is more than just a local issue—it is now part of a larger story about worldwide migration, U.S. border policy, and public safety. As these patterns keep shifting, the United States 🇺🇸 will likely continue to strengthen its borders while searching for fair solutions for all involved.
Learn Today
U.S. Customs and Border Protection → Federal agency responsible for securing U.S. borders and regulating international trade and immigration.
Houlton Sector → A region in Maine managed by Border Patrol, responsible for enforcing border laws along the northern frontier.
Illegal re-entry → A crime involving returning to the U.S. after being deported, punishable by up to two years in prison.
Inadmissible → A person not allowed to enter the U.S. due to failing to meet legal entry requirements, sometimes due to criminal history.
Swanton Sector → Border region including parts of Vermont, New York, and New Hampshire, noted for increasing northern border crossings.
This Article in a Nutshell
In May 2025, Maine’s Houlton Sector saw a dramatic rise in illegal border crossings from Canada, with 39 apprehensions in ten days. This surge highlights new migration routes, increased criminal backgrounds among detainees, and heightened border enforcement—reflecting nationwide trends as policy changes drive migrants toward less traditional, riskier northern crossings.
— By VisaVerge.com
