GRAND FORKS, ND ( KXNET ) — U.S. Border Patrol agents in Grand Forks have stopped three different illegal entry events since the beginning of July.

According to a news release, two of those events involved attempts to smuggle people into the U.S. from Canada.

The first instance happened on July 1 near the Bottineau Border Station. The agents detected a person walking north, toward the border near Lake Metigoshe. The man then returned walking south with more people. Border Patrol got a description of the vehicle associated with the man. Law enforcement agencies helped the agents and they stopped the vehicle north of Minot. There were a total of four people in the vehicle, all of whom were arrested.

The second case happened on July 4, when Border Patrol agents saw a vehicle crossing the border and headed south. The agents told law enforcement and found the vehicle near Kenmare. There were six people inside, all of whom were suspected to have illegally entered the U.S.

The third time was on July 8, when Border Patrol agents saw a woman walking north towards the border near Bottineau, and then returned a few minutes later with more people. They all walked towards a vehicle, then agents conducted a vehicle stop and arrested the five people who were inside.

“These cases demonstrate a great collaboration between Border Patrol Agents and our local law enforcement partners,” said Chief Patrol Agent Scott D. Garrett. “In one of these cases, comparing our digital images with security footage was critical in the apprehension of the subjects. As a reminder, the only lawful way to enter the United States is through a designated Port of Entry.”

Charges against everyone involved are pending. Those suspected of transporting them are being charged with a smuggling-related offense.

Those who entered illegally were of American, Mexican, Polish, and Canadian nationalities. There were 11 men and five women, all between the ages of 21-67.

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