Eight people, including two children, were found dead near the Canada-US border after attempting to cross illegally into the United States. Their bodies were discovered near a capsized boat belonging to a missing man from the Akwesasne Mohawk community.
The capsized boat was described as "very small" for poor weather conditions including rain, sleet and strong wind. The Mohawk tribal territory straddles the Canadian provinces of Quebec and Ontario and the US state of New York. Canadian authorities believe all were attempting to enter the United States illegally from Canada. The first body was found during an aerial search of the area.
Surge in illegal crossings
Local deputy police chief Lee-Ann O'Brien noted a recent "increase in people passing through Akwesasne gaining entry into the US" with 48 crossings since the start of the year. Once landing on the US side, they are typically picked up on shore and transported by vehicle into New York State, she said. Two other people have been found dead near the border in recent months while trying to cross illegally into the United States from Canada.
Response from officials
Authorities are waiting on an autopsy as well as toxicology test results to determine the cause of death. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, speaking to reporters, said, "Our hearts go out to the families of the individuals who perished. This is a heartbreaking situation." The two countries recently struck a deal on managing the growing issue of undocumented migration on their lengthy border during President Joe Biden's visit to Ottawa. The arrangement will see undocumented asylum seekers crossing from the United States into Canada turned back, while Canada will simultaneously expand the pathway for legal entry.
Reasons for illegal crossings
According to Dulude, such crossings are sometimes facilitated by local people, particularly young people who are lured by the money and exploited by criminal organizations. The plan, similar to a crackdown on the much more heavily used US-Mexican border, has been criticized by migrants' rights activists. However, Biden and Trudeau are both under political pressure to relieve their badly strained immigration systems.
