Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard J. Fortunato

On June, 10th 2026, several Newton Azrak awards were presented in Swanton Sector. Congratulations to all the recipients.

Swanton Sector agents have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to national security. Over the weekend, across Vermont and New York, our dedicated agents apprehended over 20 individuals involved in cross-border smuggling events. Through continuous patrols by land, air, and water, utilizing a variety of assets and technologies, we detect and interdict illicit activity. We remain steadfast in our mission to secure our borders. The border is closed to illegal entry.

On May 16, 2023, Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents conducted a vehicle stop near Champlain, NY, after receiving information from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of possible smuggling activity in the area. During their investigation, agents discovered over 68 pounds of marijuana, two loaded handguns (one non-serialized), and more than $155,000 in cash inside the vehicle. The driver and passenger were detained, and the vehicle, money, firearms, and narcotics were seized for further investigation by federal authorities. Following the arrest, the driver pleaded guilty to the related charges and was recently sentenced to 72 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. Border security is vital to protecting our communities.  If you witness suspicious activity near the border, contact Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362. Your calls make a difference.

Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents recently partnered with the New Hampshire National Guard Counter Drug Program to enhance aerial surveillance capabilities. As part of this collaborative effort, agents participated in specialized Aerial Observer training, which included two familiarization flights. Through this training, six Swanton agents successfully earned their certifications as aerial observers. Additionally, five more agents completed the classroom portion and are scheduled for their certification flights in the near future. These advanced skills will further strengthen our operational readiness and support our ongoing mission to secure the nation’s borders Border security is national security which directly correlates with public safety!

On April 24, 2026, Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents in Derby, Vermont, responded to alerts of an illegal border crossing from Canada and apprehended a Cuban national, who had previously been ordered removed from the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has since obtained a federal indictment for unlawful reentry after removal. The defendant is detained pending trial and is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, the maximum penalty is up to 2 years in prison. Read more from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Vermont below. @USAO_VT

Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents responded to an unlawful border crossing near Richford, Vermont, on September 8, 2024, apprehending an individual who was transporting five adults and four children who were citizens of Ireland and had illegally entered the United States. Agents stopped the suspect’s vehicle and discovered several young children in unsafe conditions, highlighting the risks associated with alien smuggling. We commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for securing a conviction and a sentence of 18 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release in this case. Read more from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Vermont here: @USAO_VT

A federal grand jury has indicted a former Manchester resident for Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer and Assaulting a Federal Officer with a Dangerous Weapon. The charges stem from an incident near the Canadian border in Stewartstown, NH, where the defendant allegedly fired a handgun at a Border Patrol agent during a late-night encounter. Both charges carry potential penalties of up to 20 years in prison and substantial fines. The defendant remains under guard at a New Hampshire hospital and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Read more from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, @USAO_NH

On April 26, 2026, Swanton Sector agents were notified by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police regarding a vehicle attempting to illegally cross the U.S.-Canada border near Line Farm Road, in Holland Vermont. A person was observed trying to move large boulders placed to block vehicles from crossing in this remote area. Remote surveillance technology at the border captured a white Kia Sorrento driving south through the field west of Line Farm Road, matching the report of the unauthorized crossing from Canada. Agents responded to the area, located the vehicle and identified eight people who had illegally entered United States, seven from the United Kingdom and one from Canada. Further investigation revealed two vehicles had attempted to cross, with one getting stuck at the border. All eight subjects were held pending their removal from the United States. Collaboration with our Canadian partners is vital to securing our borders and keeping our communities safe. Border security is national security which directly corelates to public safety!

During National Police Week, Swanton Sector proudly honors the dedication and sacrifice of all law enforcement officers and agents who serve our communities and nation. We pay special tribute to Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agent David C. Maland, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on January 20, 2025 (End of Watch). Please join us in recognizing and remembering these heroes for their unwavering commitment to public safety.

On April 23, 2026, Thanks to a concerned citizen call, Swanton Sector Patrol Agents apprehended two subjects in the Chateaugay, NY area one from Honduras and the other from Ecuador.  Both subjects were held their pending removal from the United States.  This successful outcome highlights the critical role our community plays in supporting border security efforts. We thank our vigilant neighbors for their partnership and commitment to keeping our borders safe. If you see something, say something! Contact Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362. Your calls make a difference.

On April 16, advanced detection systems alerted Swanton Sector agents of illicit cross border activity near Champlain, NY. Agents responded and arrested an Italian national after a brief foot chase. The subject was placed under arrest and will be held, pending removal proceedings. Swanton Sector agents remain committed to enforcing immigration laws and ensuring border security. Border security is national security!

As warmer weather arrives in the Swanton Sector, we remind the public that attempting to cross the border illegally remains extremely hazardous. Changing conditions do not reduce the risks posed by remote terrain, unpredictable weather, and potential medical emergencies. The United States border is closed to illegal entry. Our agents remain vigilant in enforcing immigration laws and protecting our borders. If you see something, say something! Contact Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362. Your calls make a difference.

On April 07, 2026, Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents were notified of a subject walking south from Canada into the United States in a rural, wooded area close to the International Border near Franklin, Vermont. This location is known as a route frequently exploited by smugglers seeking to avoid inspection by U.S. and Canadian authorities. Utilizing their experience and knowledge of local smuggling routes, Border Patrol agents strategically positioned themselves and successfully intercepted the subject approximately a quarter mile from the border. The individual admitted to being present in the United States without proper documentation and was subsequently arrested and is being held pending his removal proceedings. Illegal border crossings can occur at any time of day or night, Swanton Sector Border Patrol remains vigilant in protecting our borders and preventing illegal entry, dedicated to ensuring national security and the safety of our communities. If you observe suspicious activity near the border please report it to Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362. Your vigilance helps keep our communities safe.

On April 4, 2026, at approximately 4:00 a.m., Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents responded to a technology alert indicating several subjects had crossed the international border from Canada into the United States near North Derby Road in Derby, Vermont. Agents encountered three individuals, citizens of Romania and Poland, who admitted to entering the United States illegally from Canada without proper documentation. All three were taken into custody for violations of immigration law and are being held pending removal proceedings. This successful interdiction demonstrates the U.S. Border Patrol’s ongoing commitment to securing our nation’s borders and highlights the vital role of technology plays in protecting our communities. If you see something say something! To report any suspicious cross border activity by contacting Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362.

On April 1, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Swanton Sector Dispatch notified Border Patrol Agents of a report from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police regarding an individual observed in Canada walking south toward the United States–Canada international boundary near Roxham Road in Mooers, New York. Border Patrol Agents responded to the area and located a subject attempting to conceal themselves in the woods on the west side of Roxham Road, approximately a quarter mile south of the international border. Agents identified themselves and questioned the individual regarding their citizenship and recent travel history. The subject admitted to being a citizen of Mauritania and stated they had just crossed illegally into the United States from Canada. The individual was placed under arrest and will be held pending removal proceedings. The Swanton Sector Border Patrol remains committed to securing our nation’s borders and working closely with our international partners to ensure the security of our border operations. Border security is national security, which directly correlates to public safety!

On April 1, 2026, at approximately 11:00 p.m., Swanton Sector Dispatch notified Border Patrol Agents of a report from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police regarding an individual observed in Canada walking south toward the United States–Canada international boundary near Roxham Road in Mooers, New York. Border Patrol Agents responded to the area and located a subject attempting to conceal themselves in the woods on the west side of Roxham Road, approximately a quarter mile south of the international border. Agents identified themselves and questioned the individual regarding their citizenship and recent travel history. The subject admitted to being a citizen of Mauritania and stated they had just crossed illegally into the United States from Canada. The individual was placed under arrest and will be held pending removal proceedings. The Swanton Sector Border Patrol remains committed to securing our nation’s borders and working closely with our international partners to ensure the security of our border operations. Border security is national security, which directly correlates to public safety!

On March 19, 2026, at approximately 6:30 a.m., Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents in Champlain, New York were notified by Swanton Sector Dispatch of two individuals with backpacks walking south in the area the international border with Canada. Agents promptly responded and searched the area, utilizing a service K9. The K9 alerted near a hay cart parked in dense vegetation. The Agents located the individuals, who attempted to flee but, after a brief foot pursuit, both subjects were apprehended. Both subjects were taken into custody and will be held pending criminal charges related to their illegal entry and removal proceedings. This successful operation highlights the dedication and teamwork of Border Patrol Agents and their K9 partners in securing our borders and ensuring community safety.

On March 17, 2025, at approximately 10:23 a.m., Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents responded to a report of an individual with a backpack walking south in Champlain, NY. Agents located the person moving through thick brush and, upon identifying themselves, the individual attempted to flee. Agents pursued and successfully apprehended the subject. During questioning, the individual admitted to being a citizen and national of Guatemala, lacking documentation to legally remain in the United States. The subject also stated they had illegally crossed into the United States from Canada earlier that morning. The individual 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.

On March 12, 2026, Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents in North Troy attempted a vehicle stop. The offenders absconded while discarding an object out of their vehicle’s window and subsequently abandoned the vehicle on a dead-end road. Agents recovered a large bag containing multiple smaller bags of narcotics and an abandoned firearm. Initial testing indicated the substances were fentanyl, marijuana, and cocaine.  Following the incident, the vehicle was reported stolen to Newport Station. State and local authorities are now handling the stolen vehicle investigation. All seized contraband was turned over to ATF Task Force agents for further investigation. Border security is national security which directly correlates with public safety!

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents responded to a report of two subjects walking north toward Canada in Churubusco, NY. Upon arrival, agents located two males matching descriptions given by Swanton Sector Dispatch near a pickup truck stuck in a ditch on the International Boundary. One individual was observed attempting to free the vehicle. As agents approached, both subjects abandoned the truck and their luggage, absconding north into Canada. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police(RCMP) was notified and responded but the subjects had already fled the area and were unable to make contact with the individuals. Swanton Sector Border Patrol and RCMP will continue to work closely together to address illegal cross-border activity and ensure the safety and security of our communities and countries.