Sixty people have been accused of recently trying to enter the United States illegally by crossing the northern border into Vermont, according to federal prosecutors with the United States Attorney’s Office for Vermont.Federal officials said that illegal crossing activity has increased significantly over the past six weeks, resulting in 60 prosecutions of migrants from 20 different countries.Of those caught, four people were charged with felony alien smuggling offenses and one person was charged with unlawful reentry after a prior removal. The rest were charged with misdemeanor illegal entry.Officials said that among the cases heard since May 22, one involved an attempted illegal entry through the Canadian entrance to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House in Derby Line. They said a Chilean woman purchased both an American and Canadian ticket to a performance and changed clothes to try to sneak into the country.Two of the people accused of alien smuggling face up to five years in prison if convicted, with the person accused of illegal entry facing up to six months in prison if found guilty.
BURLINGTON, Vt. —
Sixty people have been accused of recently trying to enter the United States illegally by crossing the northern border into Vermont, according to federal prosecutors with the United States Attorney’s Office for Vermont.
Federal officials said that illegal crossing activity has increased significantly over the past six weeks, resulting in 60 prosecutions of migrants from 20 different countries.
Of those caught, four people were charged with felony alien smuggling offenses and one person was charged with unlawful reentry after a prior removal. The rest were charged with misdemeanor illegal entry.
Officials said that among the cases heard since May 22, one involved an attempted illegal entry through the Canadian entrance to the Haskell Free Library and Opera House in Derby Line. They said a Chilean woman purchased both an American and Canadian ticket to a performance and changed clothes to try to sneak into the country.
Two of the people accused of alien smuggling face up to five years in prison if convicted, with the person accused of illegal entry facing up to six months in prison if found guilty.