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  4. Human Smuggling Event Disrupted in Aroostook County

Human Smuggling Event Disrupted in Aroostook County

Release Date
Fri, 07/26/2019

HOULTON, Maine- U.S. Border Patrol agents arrested eight Mexican nationals in the Mars Hill area on July 23. Agents were responding to a call for assistance from the Maine State Police.  All eight subjects were criminally charged with federal violations.

On the evening of July 23, a Maine State Trooper conducted a vehicle stop near Mars Hill and requested assistance from the U.S. Border Patrol. 

“We enjoy great relationships with our state and local partners and we make every effort to respond when a request for assistance is made,” said Jason D. Owens, Sector Chief of the Border Patrol in Maine.

When Border Patrol agents arrived, they determined all eight subjects were in the United States illegally and seven of the subjects had recently crossed the border from Canada.

“The U.S. Border Patrol is responsible for securing the border between the ports of entry.  With diminished resources due to the ongoing crisis along the southwest border, our partnership with state and local authorities is more valuable than ever,” said Chief Owens.  

The eight subjects were taken into custody and brought to the Houlton Border Patrol Station for processing.  During processing, three of the Mexican nationals were found to have been previously removed from the United States and charged with re-entry after removal under Title 8 of the U.S. Code 1326.

Four of the Mexican nationals were charged criminally with illegal entry of the United States under Title 8 of the U.S. Code 1325.

The eighth subject, who was also determined to be in the United States illegally, was charged with alien smuggling under Title 8 of the U.S. Code 1324.  All subjects were entered into administrative removal proceedings and will be transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) at the conclusion of any criminal procedures.

“We are seeing a noticeable increase in apprehensions compared to this time last year,” said Chief Owens.  “This event is evidence of criminal smuggling activity around Maine’s border areas and further exemplifies the value in maintaining positive relationships with our state and local law enforcement partners.”   

The Border Patrol in Maine relies on the cooperation and assistance of the public.  Anyone wishing to make a confidential report of suspicious activity may call (800) 851-8727 to contact the United States Border Patrol in Maine.

All subjects referred for criminal prosecution are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

 

Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021