Great Lakes Wire

Aric Nesbitt, the state senator for Michigan's District 20, has highlighted a recent northern border arrest as evidence of effective coordination between federal and local law enforcement.

"Great work by Border Patrol and our local law enforcement," said Aric Young Nesbitt. "To those thinking you might have an easy time sneaking in through the North, think again."

Michigan has experienced an increase in illegal border crossings from Canada in early 2025, attracting heightened attention from federal and local authorities. According to Sault Ste. Marie news outlet SooLeader, U.S. Border Patrol agents apprehended 12 Mexican nationals in separate incidents near the Michigan-Canada border in February and March. Bridge Michigan reported that 213 individuals were stopped at the Ambassador Bridge through March 21 over immigration-related concerns. These incidents underscore increased scrutiny at northern entry points.

FactCheck.org reports that U.S. Border Patrol recorded 23,721 apprehensions along the northern U.S. border in fiscal year 2024, a significant rise from 10,021 the previous year and just 2,238 in 2022. Although this accounts for only 1.5% of total U.S. apprehensions, the growth indicates rising unauthorized migration through northern states like Michigan. These figures have led to calls for enhanced enforcement and monitoring along the U.S.-Canada border.

Data compiled by USAFacts reveals that while the U.S.-Mexico border has historically seen far more unauthorized crossings, activity at the northern border is increasing. From October 2019 to June 2024, nearly 11 million unauthorized border encounters occurred nationwide, with the northern border's share steadily growing. This shift suggests evolving migration patterns and increasing relevance of the U.S.-Canada border in national immigration policy.

Nesbitt, who has served as the Republican Leader of the Michigan Senate since 2019, is a longstanding advocate for stronger immigration enforcement. According to his official Senate site, he has criticized federal border policies and promoted state-level legislation to empower local law enforcement in immigration matters. His public statements emphasize public safety, secure borders, and curbing illegal migration through Michigan.