Overview:
Canadian authorities detained 19 Haitian migrants, including young children, after they crossed the U.S.-Canada border near Havelock, Quebec, on Christmas Eve during extreme cold. Several people were hospitalized for frostbite. All have applied for asylum, and officials warned of the dangers of irregular border crossings in winter.
NEW YORK- Nineteen migrants of Haitian origin were detained on Christmas Eve after crossing the U.S.-Canada border irregularly near Havelock, Quebec, during what authorities described as “intense cold.”
The report was made to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) by the United States Border Patrol shortly before 6 p.m. on Thursday, La Presse reported.
“A first group of 15 people, hidden in the woods, was found by officers from the Champlain Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), assisted by officers from the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield IBET, shortly before 7 p.m.,” the RCMP said by email.
A total of 15 were found hidden in the woods, and additional search efforts until 10:30 p.m. located the remaining four individuals who had become separated during the crossing.
The group ranged in age from 1 to 60 years old, including a 3-year-old child. Eight people were hospitalized, including six treated for frostbite. The two young children were admitted as a precaution, and authorities confirmed their condition is now stable.
“The two young children were also taken to the hospital as a precautionary measure. According to the information available, their lives are no longer in danger,” the authorities stated.
All 19 migrants have applied for asylum, and their cases are now being handled by the Canada Border Services Agency.
Police also arrested a man they believe intended to pick up several migrants by car. Authorities impounded his vehicle.
The RCMP reiterated that attempting to cross the border irregularly is extremely dangerous, particularly during winter conditions when people are often unprepared for prolonged exposure to cold temperatures.
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