RCMP is using the recent apprehension of six people attempting to illegally cross the Canada/U.S. border in southern Manitoba as an example of the technology and other assets available at their disposal to secure the international boundary.
Last month, we reported that Mounties intercepted the group crossing into Canada from the United States on foot near Emerson on January 14th.
Using an airplane equipped with thermal imaging technology, officers actively patrolling the border quickly located the six individuals and directed ground units to the location, about 15 kms east of Emerson. RCMP officers in vehicles responded immediately and began searching for the group who had fled into a wooded area. They were found and put under arrest and transferred to the Canada Border Services Agency.
Footage of the interception was made public at a news conference in Edmonton, AB Wednesday afternoon.
"I will note that, yes, you're getting a clear view right now, but this did happen in the dark of night along the Manitoba border. With the equipment that we have, you can obviously see the clear image in relation to what was going on," explained Assistant Commissioner Lisa Moreland, Regional Commander of the RCMP's Northwest Region, Federal Policing.
The six individuals were from Jordan, Sudan, Chad and Mauritania. Moreland noted, some were not dressed for the freezing temperatures.
"They did not have hats, gloves, mitts or anything that we would normally see (people wearing) in a Canadian winter," she said.
An ambulance was called to ensure their safety.
This prompted Moreland to issue a warning to anyone considering making the trek, noting they've seen firsthand the heartbreaking situations where lives of adults and children have been lost in the attempt.
"Anyone who is thinking about crossing the border, don't! You're putting your life at risk, and you should not attempt under any circumstances," she stressed.
“We want to be clear. We have the partnerships, the technology, and the resources in place to respond to the border and to stop illegal activity,” added Moreland. “By working closely with Canada Border Services Agency as well as provincial and US law enforcement partners, we can detect and arrest those who attempt to cross our shared border.”
In January, the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region also increased its security posture with the addition of regular Black Hawk helicopter flights along the Manitoba border with the United States.
