A desperate journey ended in the frigid Quebec wilderness Thursday evening as nineteen individuals, seeking refuge, illegally crossed the border from the United States. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police launched a search after receiving a notification from their U.S. Border Patrol counterparts, initiating a race against the dropping temperatures.
The initial discovery came around 7 p.m., with fifteen people located concealed within the dense woods near Havelock, a town roughly 33 miles south of Montreal. The biting cold presented an immediate and serious threat, intensifying the urgency of the search for the remaining members of the group.
Officers relentlessly continued their efforts until 10:30 p.m., battling the extreme cold to locate the final four individuals. All nineteen are of Haitian origin, representing a wide range of ages – from a single infant to a 60-year-old, each having formally requested asylum upon apprehension.
The perilous conditions took a heavy toll. Eight migrants required immediate medical attention, with six suffering from the agonizing effects of frostbite. Two young children were also transported to a hospital, not due to immediate injury, but as a precautionary measure against the harsh elements.
The RCMP also apprehended a man believed to be facilitating the illegal crossings. He was arrested under the Customs Act, suspected of awaiting the group with a vehicle to transport them further into Canada. That vehicle was immediately seized as evidence.
Authorities emphasized the inherent dangers of such border crossings, particularly during the brutal Canadian winter. Migrants often arrive ill-prepared for the severe weather and challenging terrain, placing both their lives and the lives of responding officers at risk.
The RCMP highlighted the vulnerability of those attempting these journeys, often lacking adequate clothing or supplies to withstand the unforgiving conditions. The difficult and remote nature of the border region further compounds the risks involved in both the crossing and the subsequent search efforts.
The investigation remains active, with authorities meticulously examining the circumstances surrounding the attempted crossings and the role of the individual arrested under the Customs Act. The focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those who undertook this desperate passage.
