Four people were recently arrested following an illegal border crossing from Lynden, Wash. into Abbotsford, authorities reported on Monday (Nov. 3).
A press release issued by the B.C RCMP stated that the incident occurred on Oct. 8.
The release said three people on foot were being pursued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection when they crossed from the area of Northwoods Road in Lynden to Zero Avenue in Abbotsford.
The trio were picked up by a vehicle that was waiting nearby.
The three individuals, as well as the driver, were arrested and turned over to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for further investigation and processing under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, according to the release.
“Investigations are continuing and no further details will be released at this time,” the release stated.
The Integrated Border Enforcement Team consists of officers from five agencies: the RCMP, CBSA, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (represented by the U.S. Border Patrol) and the U.S. Coast Guard.
“The Canada Border Services Agency and our law enforcement partners work together to enhance border security and ensure that individuals who violate the law are held accountable for their actions,” said Bryce Bengco, acting director of the CBSA’s Pacific Highway district.
Chief Rosario Vasquez with the U.S. Border Patrol’s Blaine sector, said the arrest of the four individuals “underscores the strong partnership between U.S. Border Patrol and our Canadian counterparts in addressing unlawful cross-border activity.”