(DC Pundit) – The state of Maine has become an unlikely hotspot for illegal border crossings. It seems that Romania, a country best known for Dracula and gymnasts, is now exporting a new commodity: border hoppers.
In a surge that has left officials scratching their heads, Romanian nationals have been caught at an increasing rate trying to sneak into the U.S. via Maine’s rugged wilderness.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, Romanian encounters in Maine’s Houlton Sector have skyrocketed from a mere 4% in 2023 to a whopping 13% this year.
Karine Martel, spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency, offered this explanation: “The Canada Border Services Agency cannot speculate on why a certain percentage of Romanians try to enter illegally both in Canada and the United States.” Well, that clears things up, doesn’t it?
Ryan Brissette, a CBP spokesperson, added this regarding one incident: “The operator was able to locate two subjects moving through the forest away from the border. He was able to guide another agent to the subjects’ location.”
Recent cases have included a citizen tip leading to the capture of two Romanian youths, and a group of 20 Romanians crossing in four cars. Two were flagged in a crime database, proving that even in the world of illegal border crossings, carpooling is alive and well.
PressONE reports that many use Houlton as a transit point to reach family in New York and D.C.
Despite this influx, experts say migration to the U.S. is unlikely to surge, as Romania’s EU membership provides easier options. Plus, with Romania joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in March, overstaying visas may replace risky forest crossings.
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