The RCMP held a media conference along the South West Emerson Dyke Friday afternoon, just feet away from where migrants are crossing illegally into the community of Emerson. This is not a new situation. People have been crossing illegally in this area for a number of years, however due to the recent growth in numbers of asylum seekers, local officials and residents are concerned for the safety of those crossing in harsh temperatures, and how residents plan to react to the visitors when they come into contact.



Over four hundred illegal migrants crossed into Emerson in 2016, with over eighty since January, in groups as large as fifteen and twenty at a time.



"The recent amount of illegal migrants crossing the U.S./Canadian Border in the last year, or even in the last few months, is not normal for this area. Local RCMP are aware of the situation, and are coordinating with local CBSA officers and officials to provide more coverage of the area," said Commanding Officer for Manitoba RCMP Scott Kolody.



Kolody went on to say the RCMP presence in the community has been increased, making safety for those crossing and local residents a high priority.



At this month's Emerson - Franklin council meeting officials were made aware the RCMP are doing their best to cover the area, however, they were losing several members soon due to various reasons.



"We are aware that we have some transfers coming for local officers, we have requests in place to replace these individuals, and we are confident they will arrive on time," said Kolody.



Local RCMP work out of their detachment located in Morris, covering communities west to Vita and south to Emerson where there is also a staffed satellite office.



"For us the safety of the migrants crossing and those living in Emerson remains a high priority, we have to answer to all calls and address them in priority. However, due to the current situation in Emerson, we have officers working around the clock, and on call if the need should arise," said local RCMP Corporal Meyer.



Meyer went on to say he strongly urges the public to contact authorities immediately upon coming in contact with illegal migrants, and they will attend the scene as quickly as possible, noting once RCMP picks up the migrant they are taken to Canadian Customs for processing, and their refugee claim is heard.



Local Reeve Greg Janzen along with Provencher M.P. Ted Falk put in a request to the Federal government earlier this week asking for an increase in RCMP Officers and resources.