Overview:
Canadian authorities detained 19 Haitian migrants, together with younger kids, after they crossed the U.S.-Canada border close to Havelock, Quebec, on Christmas Eve throughout excessive chilly. A number of folks have been hospitalized for frostbite. All have utilized for asylum, and officers warned of the risks of irregular border crossings in winter.
NEW YORK- Nineteen migrants of Haitian origin have been detained on Christmas Eve after crossing the U.S.-Canada border irregularly close to Havelock, Quebec, throughout what authorities described as “intense chilly.”
The report was made to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) by the US Border Patrol shortly earlier than 6 p.m. on Thursday, La Presse reported.
“A primary group of 15 folks, hidden within the woods, was discovered by officers from the Champlain Built-in Border Enforcement Group (IBET), assisted by officers from the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield IBET, shortly earlier than 7 p.m.,” the RCMP mentioned by electronic mail.
A complete of 15 have been discovered hidden within the woods, and extra search efforts till 10:30 p.m. situated the remaining 4 people who had turn into separated in the course of the crossing.
The group ranged in age from 1 to 60 years outdated, together with a 3-year-old baby. Eight folks have been hospitalized, together with six handled for frostbite. The 2 younger kids have been admitted as a precaution, and authorities confirmed their situation is now secure.
“The 2 younger kids have been additionally taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. In response to the data accessible, their lives are now not in peril,” the authorities said.
All 19 migrants have utilized for asylum, and their instances at the moment are being dealt with by the Canada Border Companies Company.
Police additionally arrested a person they consider meant to choose up a number of migrants by automotive. Authorities impounded his automobile.
The RCMP reiterated that trying to cross the border irregularly is extraordinarily harmful, notably throughout winter circumstances when individuals are usually unprepared for extended publicity to chilly temperatures.