Nine Venezuelans, including children, found in Alberta; second group apprehended in Manitoba
Canadian authorities have intercepted two groups attempting to cross the U.S.-Canada border in extreme winter conditions, highlighting the ongoing dangers of unauthorized crossings.
In Alberta, police found nine Venezuelan migrants, including five children, struggling through deep snow with suitcases. Assistant Commissioner Lisa Moreland described the conditions as “incredibly cold,” with temperatures dropping as low as -30°C. A second group, consisting of six adults from Jordan, Sudan, Chad, and Mauritius, was detected by thermal cameras in a forested area near the Manitoba border. Neither group had appropriate clothing for the freezing weather.
Moreland warned that such crossings could end in tragedy, recalling the 2022 deaths of the Patel family, who froze near the border. “There’s the cross-border aspect, but also a human tragedy,” she said.
The incident underscores the ongoing risks of winter migration and renewed concerns about border security. Despite increased surveillance efforts, officials say there has been no significant rise in crossings following former U.S. President Donald Trump’s re-election. However, fears of deportation and tightening immigration policies in the U.S. may drive more people to attempt the perilous journey north.