Surge at US Northern Border: Maine Agents Nab Chinese, Global Illegal Immigrants

As the U.S. southern border tightens under President Trump’s policies, the northern frontier is witnessing an unexpected surge in illegal crossings. In Houlton, Maine, Border Patrol agents have been working overtime, nabbing 39 illegal immigrants in just 10 days, according to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This year’s arrests in Maine already outstrip the entirety of 2024, signaling a shift in migration patterns.

The detainees hail from a global roster—Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and China. Among them, some carry rap sheets, with prior convictions for assault, weapons possession, and theft. One individual faces felony charges for illegal re-entry, which could mean up to two years behind bars, with stiffer penalties for those previously deported after criminal convictions.

Craig Shepley, Houlton Sector’s Acting Chief Patrol Agent, emphasized a no-nonsense approach: ongoing operations will target criminal aliens for arrest, prosecution, and deportation. CBP’s mission is clear—secure the border, protect Maine, and safeguard the nation. The agency issued a stern warning to would-be crossers: if you’re here illegally or involved in smuggling, you’ll face consequences.

This northern influx reveals a broader challenge. As southern routes grow tougher, desperate migrants and smugglers are testing quieter, less-patrolled borders. The stakes are high, and the message from CBP is resolute: the U.S. will not be an open door.