For the first time, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) and the United States Border Patrol Grand Forks Sector held a joint briefing to raise awareness the public to the dangers of crossing the border illegally, particularly during the winter months when freezing temperatures and severe weather can lead to tragic loss of life.

A dangerous trend

“Every year, people from all over the world travel to this region to try to cross the border illegally. They don’t understand how cold it can get,” said Grand Forks Sector Chief Patrol Officer Scott D. Garrett. “They are unprepared and don’t have adequate clothing, and they don’t know that there are very few places to take shelter along our border if they are caught in a snowstorm or blizzard . It can be a matter of life and death.


The joint border security event, described as “humanitarian” in nature, highlights the work that the IBET RCMP and the Grand Forks Sector of the United States Border Patrol do together. The Canada-US border is the longest undefended border in the world. Sergeant Lance Goldau, head of the RCMP IBET, says Canadians are “extremely proud” to partner with their neighbors to not only secure the border, but also to prevent injuries and loss of life along of it.


Chief Garrett alluded to the reason for the timing of the border security session.


“Over the past two years, there has been an increase in the number of migrants attempting to cross the border illegally in both directions,” he says. “Our agents are committed to vigilantly enforcing the law at the border while promoting public safety and protecting people’s lives.”

Chief Patrol Agent Scott D. Garrett of the Grand Forks Sector.
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According to the RCMP, to date, 85 people have been illegally apprehended heading north. This number is up from 75 apprehensions in 2023. Countries of origin for travelers include the Republic of Chad, Republic of Sudan, Guinea, Iraq, Mauritania, Congo, Yemen, Somalia, Saint Helena, Eritrea, Cuba, Morocco, Mali and Brazil.

When temperatures drop well below freezing, unprepared migrants are in danger and in desperate need of rescue. -Chief Patrol Officer Scott D. Garrett

The RCMP calls these crossings a “complex problem.” Many illegal migrants try to escape conflicts around the world and seek to apply for refugee status in Canada. While the issue requires nuance to unravel, what is clear is that security is a concern.

Prevent tragedy

The October 10 session in Pembina, North Dakota, unequivocally exposed the realities of illegal crossing.


“Regardless of the many messages posted warning people of the dangers of crossing the border in winter, many migrants will ignore these warnings, putting their families and friends at risk,” says Chief Garrett. “The reality is that migrants have lost their lives crossing the border due to bad weather. Our job is to continue to take proactive steps to strengthen border security while apprehending those involved in illicit activities. This is the most effective strategy for reducing injuries and deaths among migrants during the winter months.

For Chief Chris Misson, port liaison for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the transportation issue surprises even legal travelers. Within its jurisdiction, there are 25 land ports of entry, including 18 in North Dakota and 7 in Minnesota.

“Most of the entry points into the two states are very remote,” he says. “None of these ports are ideally set up for pedestrian traffic. They are on isolated highways or interstate highways with heavy commercial traffic.

Chief Chris Misson, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port of Entry Liaison

Chief Misson warns potential travelers that in these remote areas there are almost no transportation options. This is a problem when it’s -30°C in January.

“We receive travelers. . . on foot who cross border crossings, sometimes traveling with young children without means of transport once they arrive at or after leaving the border,” he says. “The nearby local communities don’t have many resources. There are no public transportation systems, no bus systems, no Ubers, no taxis, so the only thing I would really like to post. . . is that if you plan to travel to the border at the border crossings, please have a transportation plan to get to and from the border.

Part of the border security event included information on the various equipment deployed by border agencies for rescue missions from illegal crossings gone wrong.


“Improvements in technology have increased our ability to effectively detect the location of people after they cross the border,” says Chief Garrett. “These vehicles, along with other technologies (such as) cameras and sensors, provide officers with the tools necessary to quickly locate individuals in life-threatening situations.”

Chief Garrett says Border Patrol agents are trained to be first responders because often in rural settings they are the first on the scene due to their location. He says there are also certified emergency medical technicians (EMTs) throughout the Grand Forks area.


“I am proud of the dedication and commitment of our agents to protecting our border and saving lives,” he said. “But as long as smugglers and traffickers exist, we will still have work to do. »

Selfishness and bad intentions

In addition to the dangers of harsh weather conditions, both agencies are working to raise awareness of other risks for migrants crossing the border illegally, including a lack of communication tools and abuse by smugglers.

The treatment of migrants by human smugglers is a major concern for border agencies. The RCMP says law enforcement has seen an increase in the number of smuggling organizations attempting to smuggle migrants across the border undetected. Chief Garrett and Sergeant Goldau address this topic with fervor.

“Simply put, they see people as dollars and don’t care about human life,” says Chief Garrett. “Smugglers put migrants’ lives in dangerous situations during the winter months. False promises from smugglers can persuade and mislead migrants to cross the border when weather conditions are bad. These smugglers are only focused on their own profit and do not care about people’s safety.”

It is essential that we emphasize the dangers of illegal border crossings. One death is too many. -Chief Patrol Officer Scott D. Garrett

The RCMP in Manitoba are responsible for approximately 520 kilometers of shared border. This agency therefore also has a lot to say about smugglers.


“Working collaboratively with our partners helps us all respond to the changing trends we encounter at the border,” says Sergeant Goldau. “Human trafficking is one such trend that remains concerning. These are organized groups that lure migrants to cross the border illegally, making false promises and giving false hopes of an easy transition to Canada. These smugglers are not in the business of caring about the migrants they move, nor are they seeking to help these vulnerable people seek a better life in Canada.

For Sergeant Goldau, the situation cannot be overstated.


“Let me be clear. Smugglers move people across the border without any consideration for their safety. Migrants are abandoned, sometimes kilometers from the border, uneducated and ill-prepared for what awaits them on their journey,” he says. “No one walks the road with these migrants and directs them to safety. In fact, quite the opposite. They are left to their own devices, fending for themselves, in the hope of coming into contact with someone who may or may not be waiting for them at their crossing.


For Sergeant Goldau and many Manitoba residents, a devastating example of a migrant family, the Patels, who lost their lives in 2022 still sparks anxiety around the subject of illegal border crossings. This puts the big risks into perspective.


“This tragic event remains etched in our consciousness and reminds us of a family trying to change their situation with their last moments, probably moments of fear and despair in the face of the harsh winter, with no help or end in sight,” says -he. “It haunts us as investigators, but troubles us more as human beings. It is imperative that all potential travelers know that this is not safe. Do not put your life and that of your family in the hands of these smugglers. The risks are too extreme and the results may cost you your life.

Seargent Goldau adds that although border agencies have equipment for rescue missions, the harsh climate reduces the number of successes.

An advocacy rooted in compassion

Ultimately, the event’s message about border security is clear.

“The ultimate goal of the RCMP is the safety, security and well-being of all in Canada. We work tirelessly with our partners on border security as part of our commitment to this goal. Today, I stand with Chief Garrett on his important safety issue,” said Sergeant Goldau.


He also has a plea.


“(I) implore anyone listening (who is considering) attempting to cross the Canadian border between ports of entry to make the safest decision. Please choose to enter Canada safely and legally,” he says. “Please choose to avoid the dangers and risks of entering Canada in the harsh and dangerous environment that Manitoba and North Dakota are sure to offer. . . . There are ways to enter either country without risking your life. I implore you, make the right choice.

Visit Manitoba RCMP webpage for more information on the services she oversees in the province.



~With files from Candace Derksen~