President Donald Trump’s promises regarding the mass expulsion of migrants are causing concern in Estrie, on the Canadian-American border. André Labelle, a resident of Saint-Armand for 14 years, testifies to the reality of those who live just a few meters from the boundary markers.
Abandoned vehicles, empty suitcases, lots of trash and footprints litter its land several times a year, proof of the passage of migrants through this wooded and isolated portion of the Canadian-American border.
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André Labelle has lived in Saint-Armand since 2011.
Photo : - / Guillaume Renaud
If winter is relatively quiet in this sector, generally speaking, André Labelle notes that the action has picked up again at the border since January 6. He sometimes sees vehicles lurking near his home, in his neighborhood which is not very busy.
It’s happened a few times in 2024 that I’ve reported vehicles abandoned on the street. What I usually do, if it comes back to Canada, I call the GRC. If they are in the United States, I contact American agents
explains André Labelle.
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André Labelle reports that in the last two years, 11 vehicles have attempted to pass through his land to cross the border.
Photo: André Labelle
There are two American agents who left me their cell phone number to make it faster!
When the helicopters pass, my dishes brew
Canadian and American police services regularly circulate on its grounds, on the lookout for migrants trying to cross the border. Cameras were also installed in his home by the authorities of both countries. Helicopters, cars and all-terrain vehicles are also deployed daily.
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The RCMP installed cameras on André Labelle’s land.
-Photo : - / Guillaume Renaud
When the helicopters fly by, my dishes stir. They often fly at very low altitudes, and it’s really noisy. We see that they have infrared cameras and equipment.
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André Labelle sees two or three American helicopters flying over his land daily.
Photo: Credit: André Labelle
Many people still try to cross the border by passing near Mr. Labelle’s house. An abandoned path always appears on Google Maps, and it is often used.
For people trying to cross by vehicle, there is a large trench that had been dug and a barrier. This barrier has been redone and reinforced, so I don’t know if a vehicle would be able to get through.
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This vehicle stuck in a trench was abandoned on André Labelle’s land.
Photo: André Labelle
André Labelle says that on December 19, a migrant tried to enter Canada through the United States by bypassing this trench. It got bogged down in a marshy part, the earth not being completely frozen.
Over the past 2 years, there have been 11 vehicles that have tried to cross, passing through my land or passing through the agricultural land which is just on the other side.
According to Mr. Labelle, movements at the border should not run out of steam anytime soon. It is certain that there are people who will want to move. I put myself in their shoes, I probably would.
