RANGELEY, Maine- Border Patrol agents assigned to the Rangeley Border Patrol Station arrested 17 men during three separate incidents beginning on Saturday, November 9. The 17 men represented five countries and were arrested for immigration related offenses.

“Immigration enforcement is an integral part of our border security mission. As our situational awareness improves, we expect to see continued success across the state,” said Jason Owens, Chief Patrol Agent of the Border Patrol in Maine.

In the first incident, twelve men, all citizens of Mexico, were arrested on November 9, in Auburn, Maine. All of the Mexican Nationals entered legally as H2A non-immigrant agricultural workers through Laredo, Texas, in July 2019. The twelve men violated their non-immigrant visa conditions by failing to depart the United States in August as required by law. At the time of their arrest, they were employed as laborers locally.

On November 10, Border Patrol agents arrested three illegal aliens in Stratton, Maine. The men, two from Ecuador and one from Honduras, entered the United States illegally by walking across the international boundary from Mexico. The men admitted traveling to Maine from out of state to work as contractors.

The third incident, on November 11, resulted in Border Patrol agents arresting two illegal aliens in Turner, Maine. The men, one from Honduras and one from El Salvador, were engaged in employment without authorization. Both men entered the United States illegally by crossing the international boundary with Mexico.

“These incidents are further indication that the roads, highways, and public transit system of Maine are being utilized for illicit travel,” said Chief Owens. “With our limited resources, it makes sense to concentrate our efforts where they will be most effective.”

While most of the people arrested by the United States Border Patrol in Maine are processed administratively, underlying criminal charges are frequently present. Investigations relating to the use of illegal foreign labor are conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

The 17 illegal aliens were transferred to the custody of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).

United States Border Patrol agents in Maine rely 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.