Busted at the Border: Two Indians Nabbed in US
Illegal entry sparks deportation, $1,000 exit offer revealed.
Two Indian nationals have been arrested by US Border Patrol agents for illegally crossing into the United States near the northeastern border with Canada, authorities confirmed on Thursday. The arrests took place on August 1, near the state of Maine, according to a statement released by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The two men reportedly crossed the international boundary on foot and were quickly intercepted by agents from the Houlton Sector. While illegal crossings are not uncommon along the US southern border, such incidents are rare in the northeastern sector. In fact, CBP noted that only 15 Indian nationals have been encountered in this region over the past three fiscal years.
“These apprehensions are unique,” the agency said, adding that the individuals will be prosecuted for their unlawful entry and subsequently placed into removal proceedings. Their identities have not been disclosed.
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Houlton Sector Acting Chief Patrol Agent Craig Shepley issued a stern warning: “While the US Border Patrol is experiencing record-breaking low numbers of illegal crossings, some individuals still attempt to violate our laws. If you cross our borders illegally, you will be apprehended, prosecuted, and deported back to your country of origin.”
In an unexpected twist, CBP revealed that it is offering a new voluntary departure program for individuals illegally residing in the US. Through the CBP One mobile app, undocumented migrants can now register their intent to return to their home country or a third country willing to accept them.
Those eligible for the program can receive travel assistance, document support, and reduced detention risk while arranging their departure. In addition, the US government is offering a USD 1,000 stipend to individuals who complete their voluntary return through the app-based system.
The introduction of financial incentives and digital tools for voluntary repatriation marks a significant shift in how the US handles lower-risk undocumented migrants, especially at a time when overall illegal crossings are reportedly declining.
As border policies continue to evolve, these arrests underscore the increasing surveillance and consequences faced by migrants attempting unauthorized entry into the United States.
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