Heroes: Canadian police rescue 9 migrants from sub-freezing weather near U.S. border

U.S. Border Patrol agents rescued nine undocumented migrants who were “in distress” from cold weather after attempting to cross the U.S-Canada border near Minnesota.

Border Patrol agents and multiple local agencies responded to reports of a group of individuals in distress near Warroad, Minnesota on April 18 at around 4:50 a.m., according to a statement by Border Patrol. The report was given by the Royal Canadian Mountain Police, who received a call from one of the members of the group. 

When agents arrived, they found the group in a flooded bog, where the temperatures were below freezing. Agents had to use special equipment to reach the group that was stuck in the frigid waters, including the use of protective suits to keep them warm while in the water. 

Agents and first responders provided emergency care to the group. All of the migrants were transported to nearby hospitals to be treated for the cold weather exposure. One of the migrants had to be medically airlifted. 

The group of migrants was made up of nine men, aged 19 to 46. Seven of the migrants were from Mexico. The nationality of the other two, who continue to receive medical care, is not yet known. 

None of the migrants had proper immigration documents allowing them to remain in the U.S., therefore they were processed and transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

“This is an excellent example of our agents and local partners working together to prevent tragedy,” said Chief Patrol Agent Scott D. Garrett. “The outcome could have been much worse if not for the quick notification from RCMP and the response of our agents.”

CBP agents have apprehended a record-breaking number of migrants attempting to cross the U.S.-Canada border. The figure for the past five months has already surpassed the number of migrants apprehended in the entire fiscal year of 2022. 

The surge comes as many migrants, predominantly from Mexico, are opting to fly from Mexico to Canada and then attempting to cross into the U.S. from the north, where authorities are less likely to turn them away.