Group of undocumented migrants arrested in Quebec’s Montérégie

Firefighters respond to a 911 call about a family lost in the woods near Havelock, Que. on Friday, March 7, 2025, after crossing the border into Canada from the U.S. (Source: Trevor Hebert)

A group of 19 undocumented migrants of Haitian origin was arrested Thursday night near Havelock in Quebec’s Montérégie region.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) confirmed that the group, with ages ranging from one to 60, was apprehended after they allegedly illegally crossed from the United States into Canada.

The breach was reported to the RCMP by the United States Border Patrol (USBP) shortly before 6 p.m.

“A first group of 15 people, hidden in the woods, was located by officers from the Champlain Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), assisted by officers from the Valleyfield IBET, shortly before 7 p.m.,” the RCMP notes.

The force adds that searches continued until 10:30 p.m., in the extreme cold, to find the remaining individuals.

“Eight people were transported to the hospital, including six who required treatment for frostbite,” the RCMP states. “The two young children were also taken to the hospital as a precaution. Based on available information, their lives are not in danger.”

The individuals have requested asylum.

“Attempting to cross the border illegally is extremely dangerous, both for migrants and for our officers, especially in winter,” the RCMP stresses. “People who cross illegally are often poorly equipped and inadequately dressed for the weather. The terrain is also very difficult to access in certain areas.”

Additionally, the RCMP says a man was arrested “under section 117 of the Customs Act, as officers had reason to believe he was near the area to pick up several of these migrants with his vehicle.”

The vehicle was seized, and the investigation is ongoing.