HODGDON, Maine – Border Patrol agents in Maine arrested six men from multiple countries in two separate incidents for being in the United States illegally. All of the men were working without authorization and placed into removal proceedings.

In the first incident, Border Patrol agents following up on a tip provided by the public arrested three men in Houlton, on December 4.

The three men, two from Kazakhstan and one from Russia, were encountered by agents assigned to the Houlton Border Patrol Station. The Russian national, 21, entered the United States legally as a foreign student. He violated his entry conditions by failing to maintain enrollment in an educational program and by working without authorization. The two men from Kazakhstan, 25 and 26, entered the United States lawfully as visitors. The men were found to be in violation of their entry conditions by engaging in unauthorized employment.

“Our local partners are a critical part of border security,” said Jason D. Owens, Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol in Maine. “Like any other law enforcement agency, we rely on them every day to report suspicious activity.”

In the second incident, on December 6, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Jackman Station were conducting a routine patrol in Waterville. While on patrol, the agents encountered a male subject from Guatemala and two males from Mexico. Border Patrol agents determined the men entered the United States illegally through Arizona and were engaged in unauthorized employment.

Following initial processing for immigration related violations, all subjects were entered into removal proceedings and turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducts investigations relating to the hiring and employment of unauthorized labor.

The Border Patrol in Maine relies on the cooperation and assistance of the public. Anyone wishing to make a confidential report of suspicious activity may call (800) 851-8727 to contact the United States Border Patrol in Maine.