Alberta RCMP are vowing to remain vigilant along the Canada-U.S. border, citing two cases in which officers stopped illegal migrants crossing into Canada and faced a deadly confrontation.
At a news conference on Wednesday, RCMP in Edmonton said they have the tools to respond quickly to potential threats.
Their update comes days after President Donald Trump paused plans to slap Canada with a 25% tariff, which would have started a North American trade war.
None of the recent incidents were linked to Trump’s dispute with Canada, nor to small-scale fentanyl smuggling at the border, which amounted to about 43 pounds in 2024.
Still, RCMP Assistant Commissioner Lisa Moreland said it is crucial to highlight the RCMP’s efforts to patrol the Alberta-U.S. border.
“We have seen, firsthand, heartbreaking situations where the lives of adults and children have been lost in an attempt at crossing the border,” said Moreland.
“To anyone who is thinking about crossing the border. Don’t. You’re putting your life at risk, and you should not attempt it under any circumstances.”
One of the recent incidents happened on Tuesday at the Coutts border crossing, where an American man fled after a Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officer directed him to secondary inspection.
RCMP said the man sped away from an initial traffic stop before officers used a spike belt to disable his vehicle south of Milk River.
The suspect then attempted to run away with what appeared to be a weapon.
Officers, including a canine unit, chased the man.
However, he fatally shot himself and the Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating.
“This event speaks to the dangers our officers and CBSA officers face at the border,” said Moreland.
“It also shows just how quickly we can respond to our border when events of this nature occur.”
RCMP also reported that four adults and five children were arrested early on Monday morning after they attempted to cross the border on foot near Coutts.
Officers located the group, who were carrying suitcases, thanks to a tip from U.S. border officials.
RCMP cameras along the border also helped Mounties track their movements.
“These arrests demonstrate our close partnership with CBSA and our neighbours to the south,” said Moreland.
“We take illegal crossings seriously and will act swiftly when alerted to suspicious activity.”
Mounties did not release the names of the individuals taken into custody.
The investigation remains ongoing, with no further details provided on potential charges.