Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia

On March 3, 2026, Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents responded to a report from Swanton Sector Dispatch of an individual making an illegal entry into the United States from Canada near Glass Road in Champlain, NY. Agents encountered an adult male walking south from the border and confirmed he had entered the U.S. illegally. The subject was taken into custody and is being held pending removal proceedings. Border security is national security and directly correlates to public safety.   If you see something, say something! Report any suspicious cross border activity by contacting Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362.

Swanton Sector proudly celebrates the retirement of K9s Sully, Rocky, Scooby, and Eddie Jr. Thank you for your outstanding service, dedication, and unwavering loyalty. You’ve protected our nation and communities with distinction. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement—may it be filled with relaxation and plenty of treats!

On February 25, 2026, Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents conducted a vehicle stop in  Plattsburgh, NY. The vehicle attempted to flee, deliberately backing into a patrol vehicle multiple times before the driver and a passenger tried to escape on foot. Agents quickly apprehended both individuals and questioned three additional occupants, who presented Chinese passports with Canadian visas but lacked legal documentation to be in the United States. All subjects involved were apprehended and are being prosecuted for their roles in the human smuggling event. Border security is national security which directly correlates to public safety. If you see something, say something! Report any suspicious cross border activity by contacting Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362.

On March 1, 2026, Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents conducted a lifesaving rescue in Franklin, VT, during extremely cold conditions. After apprehending five subjects, agents were alerted to a woman who had been left behind by the smuggler guiding them as they illegally entered the United States from Canada. Agents located the woman unresponsive in deep snow, suffering from hypothermia and cold weather injuries. Despite temperatures of 8°F and 24 inches of snow, agents utilized specialized extraction equipment and provided immediate medical care while awaiting EMS. The subject was transported to a local area hospital, where she received treatment and was subsequently released by medical staff. This incident underscores the severe dangers associated with crossing in extreme weather and highlights the dedication and swift response of Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents in safeguarding lives.

On February 2, 2026, a concerned citizen near Franklin, Vermont, reported a suspicious vehicle repeatedly driving on Morses Line Road. Swanton Sector agents responded promptly and located a vehicle matching the description. During their investigation, agents determined that the five occupants who were from Hati, Senegal, Guinea and Algeria were illegally present in the United States. All individuals were arrested and are currently being held pending removal proceedings.  We would like to thank all the community members who report suspicious activity for their continued support.  If you see something, say something! Report any suspicious cross border activity by contacting Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362.

On February 5, 2026, Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents responded to a report from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police regarding an illegal entry near the Churubusco, NY Port of Entry. Agents encountered an individual walking south on SR-189, determined him to be a citizen of India who had entered the United States illegally from Canada. The subject was criminally prosecuted under 8 USC 1325 and will subsequently be held pending removal proceedings. We thank our partners to the north for their continued collaboration. Together, we remain committed to securing our borders and ensuring the safety of our communities.

An indictment unsealed in the District of Vermont charges two individuals with conspiring to smuggle foreign nationals into the United States through the U.S.-Canada border. Francisco Antonio Luna Rosado, a Dominican national unlawfully in the U.S., and Jesus Hernandez Ortiz of Puerto Rico are charged with conspiracy and multiple counts of illegally bringing aliens into the U.S. for financial gain related to a Sept. 17, 2023 smuggling event. Luna Rosado is also charged with transactional money laundering. According to court documents, Luna Rosado allegedly coordinated smuggling operations from August 2022 through March 2024, using shared cellphone location data and encrypted communications to guide individuals from Canada into northern Vermont and arrange transportation to New York City, where payments were collected and moved through the U.S. financial system.  To read more about this case from the @TheJusticeDept

On February 1, 2026, at approximately 8:00 PM, Border Patrol agents responded to a report of three individuals with backpacks crossing the international boundary between Canada and the United States along a railroad track near Alburg, Vermont. Agents tracked footprints in the snow and located three individuals hiding in a ditch near the tracks. The subjects who are citizens of India admitted to crossing into the United States illegally from Canada. All individuals were taken into custody and are being held pending criminal charges for illegally entering the U.S. and removal proceedings. Border security is national security which directly correlates to public safety. To report any suspicious cross border activity by contacting Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1- 800-689-3362.

On January 28, 2026, at approximately 11:30 a.m., Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents encountered an Angolan national unlawfully present in the United States in a wooded area near Franklin, Vermont. Upon contact, the individual attempted to flee. Demonstrating exceptional dedication and perseverance, our agents tracked and apprehended the subject after nearly an hour in sub 20° temperatures and challenging snow conditions. The individual is now in custody and pending removal proceedings. This incident highlights the unwavering commitment of Swanton Sector agents to enforcing our nation’s immigration laws—regardless of the conditions—and ensuring those who violate them are brought to justice.

From the rivers and lakes to mountain tops, swamps, and everywhere in between, Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents patrol some of the most challenging terrain—no matter the season or weather conditions. Even in the depths of winter, our team is committed to protecting our borders and serving our communities. Proud to stand watch in all environments, all year long!  Border security is national security and directly correlates to public safety!  If you see something, say something! Contact Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362.

Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents apprehended one subject for human smuggling and six subjects for illegal entry into the U.S. along the Canadian border between December 23 and December 25, 2025. The arrests occurred near North Troy and Derby Line, Vermont, with agents detecting suspicious activity and tracking individuals through snowy terrain and wooded areas. Those arrested included people from Venezuela, Ecuador, China, Portugal, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico, with charges ranging from illegal entry to alien smuggling. All defendants were detained pending trial and are facing possible prison sentences. After criminal charges are addressed, the individuals will face deportation proceedings. These arrests highlight the vigilance of Swanton Sector Border Patrol, who are always on the lookout to protect our borders and enforce U.S. immigration laws. To read more about this case below from the @USAO_VT To report any suspicious cross border activity by contacting Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362.

Today marks one year since we lost Border Patrol Agent David “Chris” Maland, who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation. His dedication, courage, and friendship are deeply missed by all who knew him. As we honor his memory, we remain inspired by his legacy and the example he set for us all. Our thoughts and support are with his family, friends, and loved ones. Agent Maland will never be forgotten—his memory lives on in every agent who serves.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Vermont announced, two individuals have been charged with felonies for attempting to transport illegal aliens, while two others were charged for illegally entering the United States. On the night of December 8, 2025, Border Patrol agents arrested two illegal aliens and two human smugglers near Franklin, Vermont. Weather records show temperatures that night were below zero degrees. Crossing the border illegally is not only risking your freedom but also risking your life. To read more about this case from the @USAO_VT

We remain committed to working closely with our partners to the north to secure our shared border. Our enduring strong relationship with the RCMP is vital to ensuring the safety of both countries.

Swanton Sector Border Patrol, in partnership with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, is emphasizing the severe dangers associated with attempting to cross the border illegally—particularly during extreme winter weather. Such conditions can rapidly lead to hypothermia, frostbite, or even death. For your safety, do not attempt illegal border crossings. The border is closed to illegal entry. Individuals attempting to cross outside of official ports of entry will be apprehended, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and deported.  If you encounter an emergency or wish to report suspicious cross-border activity, please contact Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362.

On December 29, 2025, Newport, Vermont experienced a high of 36°F, with wind chills making it feel as cold as 17°F. Just 24 hours later, on December 30, the low dropped to 4°F, with a "feels like" temperature of -14°F.  These rapidly changing and extreme weather conditions highlight the severe dangers of attempting to cross the border illegally. Such conditions can quickly lead to hypothermia, frostbite, or even death. For your safety, do not attempt to cross the border outside of official ports of entry.  In cases of emergency or to report any suspicious cross border activity by contacting Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362.