The RCMP reports that human smuggling Canada US Border has become a lucrative business, drawing the interest of organized crime.
Chief Superintendent Mathieu Bertrand, in charge of Serious and Organized Crime and Border Integrity at RCMP Federal Policing, reveals a significant increase in intercepts of cross-border smuggling attempts. This trend is particularly notable along the Ontario-Quebec border with New York state and Vermont.
Bertrand emphasizes the financial incentive involved, stating, “There’s substantial profit in smuggling individuals across our borders, attracting both domestic and international organized crime groups.”
Human Smuggling Canada US Border
Human Trafficking Statistics: U.S. border authority data indicates a substantial uptick in people smuggled from Canada, primarily through the forested and rural borderlands where eastern Ontario and Quebec meet the U.S., known as the Swanton Sector. From October 2022 to September 2023, U.S. Border Patrol recorded 6,925 apprehensions, marking a 550 percent year-over-year increase.
The RCMP, responsible for policing the Canadian border between official customs posts, faces challenges due to limited legal tools to prevent people from approaching the border. Bertrand acknowledges the difficulty in identifying elements of the offense to charge individuals and bring them to court.
The narrative unfolds the intricate network behind these activities. Jacinto-Ramos, allegedly the Canadian-based broker, coordinates departures and pickups while serving as a conduit for payments. Court records reveal the level of police resources needed to dismantle these organizations.
U.S. investigators use various warrants for cellphone analysis, along with call, texting, and financial records, traffic camera data, and online surveillance. This comprehensive approach is necessary to understand and combat these transnational operations.
Jacinto-Ramos, a key figure in the network, is scheduled to appear in a Montreal court facing multiple charges.