U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents in Maine are reporting a dramatic surge in illegal immigration at the northern border, surpassing the total number of arrests made in all of 2024 — just five months into 2025.
According to CBP’s Houlton Sector, a 10-day enforcement operation ending on May 2 led to the arrest of 39 illegal immigrants. Those apprehended came from a broad range of countries, including China, Guatemala, El Salvador, Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.
The sharp increase comes in the wake of President Donald Trump’s intensified efforts to curb illegal crossings at the southern border, causing smuggling networks and migrants to shift focus to the U.S.-Canada border.
Among those arrested, some individuals reportedly had prior criminal records for offenses such as assault on a family member, weapons possession, and theft. At least one person is now facing felony charges for illegal re-entry into the U.S., which carries a penalty of up to two years in prison—with longer sentences possible for prior deportees with criminal histories.
“The United States Border Patrol will continue ongoing operations to target criminal aliens for arrest, prosecution, and removal proceedings as appropriate,” said Acting Chief Patrol Agent Craig Shepley. “All of these efforts are for the safety and security of the State of Maine and the U.S. as a whole.”
CBP has warned that additional operations will continue and cautioned would-be illegal entrants that they will face consequences if caught. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to using “all means at its disposal” to secure the northern border.
This surge echoes concerns voiced by immigration experts who cite gaps in northern border surveillance and enforcement infrastructure. Meanwhile, CBP and partner agencies continue to monitor and respond to the growing trend of illegal crossings from Canada into the U.S.
