Maine’s northern border continues to see elevated levels of illegal crossings and apprehensions, marking a historic trend that began during the Biden administration, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data.
While overall illegal entries are down nationwide, officials say an increased number of Border Patrol agents deployed to the field is leading to higher apprehension rates between ports of entry.
In Maine, Border Patrol agents recorded a 24-year high in apprehensions during fiscal year 2025, which runs from October 1 through September 30. During the first six months, agents in the Houlton Sector apprehended 113 people entering illegally from Canada, representing 16 countries, The Center Square reported.
As of October 1, that number had climbed to 725 individuals from 46 countries. The Houlton Sector oversees 611 miles of border between Maine and Canada, as well as more than 3,500 miles of coastline patrolled by federal agents.
Chief Border Patrol Agent Derrick Stamper said arrests in the past year surpassed the sector’s previous record of 685 set in 2001.
“Every apprehension disrupts potential threats, from human smuggling networks to individuals with illicit intentions, ensuring that Maine’s communities and the entire United States remain safe from those seeking to exploit our borders,” Stamper said.
Despite the record-setting year for Border Patrol, the agency captures only a fraction of those entering illegally from Canada compared with the number stopped at ports of entry by CBP officers. In fiscal 2025, CBP reported a total of 6,719 illegal border crossers in Maine, with 725 apprehended by Border Patrol.
As in the rest of the country, single adults make up the majority of those apprehended in Maine, followed by individuals in family units and unaccompanied children. A record 16,544 single adults were apprehended in fiscal 2024, compared with 13,902 the previous year. Maine also saw record numbers of family units apprehended in 2024 and the highest number of unaccompanied minors in 2023.
The Houlton Sector reports an 80 percent decline in illegal crossings between ports of entry this year and no known “gotaways” since January. Officials attribute the decrease to increased staffing in high-risk areas, improved infrastructure, and strengthened intelligence-sharing with partners.
In the past year, agents have arrested individuals linked to MS-13, Tren de Aragua, and others with Interpol Red notices. By July, arrests included MS-13 members and a Salvadoran wanted for aggravated murder.
Separately, Maine residents have recently been targeted in a Chinese-Canadian fraud and money-laundering operation, according to authorities.
