Illegal aliens have been crossing into the United States through the northern border between Canada and New York, Vermont and New Hampshire in record numbers throughout the past year — taking advantage of the low number of border guards and the lack of fencing along the northern border.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, more than 12,200 illegal aliens were apprehended crossing the Canadian border in 2023 — which is a significant increase in attempted crossing from 2022, when just over 3,500 illegal aliens were apprehended.

Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia spoke out about the situation in the Swanton Sector of the northern border — which covers New York, Vermont and New Hampshire — in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Since October 1, 2023, Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents have apprehended more than 3,100 subjects from 55 countries (more than Fiscal Years 2022, 21, 20 & 19 combined). Photo: An early morning apprehension of 4 adult males from Bangladesh on February 1, near Mooers, New York,” he wrote.

Since October 1, 2023, Swanton Sector Border Patrol Agents have apprehended more than 3,100 subjects from 55 countries (more than Fiscal Years 2022, 21, 20 & 19 combined). Photo: An early morning apprehension of 4 adult males from Bangladesh on February 1, near Mooers, New York. pic.twitter.com/nAf5KG467R

— Chief Patrol Agent Robert Garcia (@USBPChiefSWB) February 2, 2024

According to the New York Post, roughly 70% of the illegal crossings occurred along the Swanton Sector — noting that illegal aliens who are able to afford to purchase a flight from Mexico City or Cancun to Toronto or Montreal have been doing so because they understand it is easier to enter from the north without being stopped.

Meanwhile, the New York Times has reported about the dangers of crossing through the northern border, as the illegal aliens risk freezing to death on their way to the United States.

The outlet cited Janet McFetridge, the mayor of the small village of Champlain, New York, who reported keeping knit hats and gloves inside her vehicle to give to illegal aliens who successfully enter the country.

“The weather is so severe you just can’t survive,” McFetridge told the outlet. “Border Patrol is working extremely hard to save people’s lives because that’s what it’s come down to.”

Residents of towns along the northern border have spoken out about their concerns over the unvetted illegal aliens entering their area. Third-generation dairy farmer Dale Tetreault, 57, reports discovering three Guatemalan illegal aliens who were taking shelter in one of his milk houses.

“I understand where they’re coming from and how horrible it has to be to make that kind of venture to get here, to try to find a place where you can find a good life,” Tetreault explained to the New York Times.

“But on the other side, it’s like, I’m not going to accidentally house the wrong people, either, you know what I mean? It’s damned if you do, damned if you don’t,” he added.