Haitian migrants Detained Near Montérégie Amid Severe Winter Weather
Late Thursday evening in the Havelock area of Montérégie, Quebec, nineteen haitian migrants seeking asylum were taken into custody by authorities, according to reports from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
Cross-Border Alert Leads to Revelation of Migrant Group
The RCMP was notified shortly before 6 p.m. by the United States Border Patrol about a group attempting to enter Canada without proper authorization. The group included individuals ranging from infants to seniors approximately 60 years old and was found after allegedly crossing into Canadian territory unlawfully.
Prolonged Search in Freezing Conditions Locates Entire Group
Integrated border enforcement teams operating out of Champlain and Valleyfield initially located fifteen people hiding in wooded terrain near 7 p.m. Despite temperatures plunging below zero degrees Celsius, search efforts continued until around 10:30 p.m., ensuring all members were accounted for amid hazardous weather.
Medical Attention Required for Several Due to Frostbite and Cold Exposure
The harsh winter environment resulted in eight migrants being transported to hospitals; six suffered frostbite requiring urgent treatment while two young children were admitted as a precautionary measure. Authorities confirmed that none faced life-threatening conditions following medical evaluations.
Suspected Human Smuggling Leads to Additional Arrest and Vehicle Seizure
An adult male was apprehended under Section 117 of the Customs Act on suspicion of attempting to transport some migrants using his vehicle. Law enforcement officials seized the vehicle involved and are actively investigating possible human smuggling networks linked with this case.
Status Update on Asylum Claims and Processing Procedures
All nineteen individuals formally submitted asylum requests upon detention and have been transferred into the custody of the Canada border Services Agency for further processing. This incident underscores ongoing challenges at Canada’s southern border amid rising migration flows during winter months.
“This operation highlights both humanitarian concerns and law enforcement complexities faced during harsh winter conditions,” stated an RCMP representative regarding this December event.
Migratory Patterns Reflect Increasing Risks at Canada’s Borders
This interception is part of a broader trend where thousands attempt irregular crossings annually despite perilous weather conditions. Recent data shows over 60,000 unauthorized entries recorded along Canada’s southern border last year alone-many involving exposure to extreme cold similar to what these Haitian migrants endured near Montérégie.
