Canadian police have reported that one person has died, and 15 others have been arrested while attempting to enter Canada from the United States.

These incidents happened over the past few weeks as authorities continue efforts to secure the border.

Lisa Moreland, an Assistant Commissioner with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), spoke about these incidents in a televised news conference.

She mentioned that those arrested came from different countries and were not prepared for the extreme cold. Some were caught in temperatures as low as -20 to -30 degrees Celsius (-4F to -22F) without proper winter clothing.

Moreland also confirmed that no fentanyl was found among those arrested. Due to privacy laws, their identities were not shared.

• In the most recent case, a man drove into Canada from the Coutts border crossing (between Montana and Alberta). When stopped for inspection, he tried to flee. He later died from a self-inflicted gunshot while being chased by police.
• A day before this incident, police arrested four adults and five youths near Coutts after receiving a tip from US border agents.
• Earlier, on January 14, six people were caught crossing into Manitoba in dangerously cold conditions.

Moreland explained that many of these individuals were not prepared for winter. Some lacked even basic items like hats and gloves.

The news conference came just after former US President Donald Trump paused his plan to impose high tariffs on Canada and Mexico.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had spoken to Trump about improving border security by adding new technology, personnel, and joint efforts to fight organized crime, drug smuggling, and money laundering.

Moreland showed thermal and aerial footage to demonstrate that the RCMP has the tools and resources to keep the border secure.

This is not the first time people have been in danger while attempting to cross into Canada. In January 2022, an Indian family of four froze to death near the Manitoba-US border during a snowstorm.

Canadian authorities are urging people not to take such risks, especially in winter. They also warn that border security will continue to increase to prevent illegal crossings.