WELLESLEY ISLAND, N.Y. — Agents from the Wellesley Island, N.Y. Border Patrol Station arrested a Canadian citizen hiding in the basement of a house near the border. Agents tracked the suspect’s footprints after the man illegally entered the United States by walking across the frozen Lake of the Isles portion of the St. Lawrence Seaway.
On Sunday, March 16, at approximately 5:30 a.m. Border Patrol agents discovered fresh footprints leading away from the U.S./Canada International Boundary. After confirming the footprints originated in Canada, the agents tracked them to a property near the border. In an attempt to conceal his foot sign the suspect crawled under trees, up a flight of stairs and across a deck to the front door. The suspect attempted to brush out his footprints near the entryway before entering the home.
After failing to get a response at the door agents contacted one of the property’s owners by phone, who advised agents that nobody should be inside the home. Agents requested the assistance of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police, suspecting the individual had broken into the home.
A New York State Trooper and Sheriff’s Deputy located the suspect hiding in the basement behind a bed. Agents took custody of the suspect and confirmed that the sole of his boots matched the footprints crossing the border.
The suspect was transported to the Wellesley Island Border Patrol Station for processing, where he admitted to illegally entering the United States. The suspect was subsequently processed for removal and returned to Canada, barring him from entering the United States for a period of five years.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection welcomes assistance from the community. Citizens can report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol and remain anonymous by calling 1-800-331-0353 toll free.