As Trump prepares for his inauguration, concerns grow over migrant crossings at the Canada-U.S. border, stirring old fears among local residents.
Stephen Phaneuf, a local, shared a story about finding a woman and her child sleeping near his pigs. It was a tough sight. He felt for them, especially when he saw the woman without shoes.
When border patrol arrived, the woman tried to escape but got caught in an electric fence. It’s a harsh reality for many. Just last December, another woman was found dead in the Chazy River after crossing into the U.S.
Phaneuf, who usually votes Democrat, switched to Republican this time. He’s worried about inflation and border security. Nearby, Calvin Allen recalled a family he saw two years ago, frozen and struggling in the cold.
Both men don’t like Trump’s tariff threats but agree on the need for better border security. They’ve been told by border patrol not to help migrants, which adds to their worries.
With Trump back in office, there’s talk of mass deportations. But the border situation has changed since his last term. New rules mean migrants can only claim asylum under specific conditions.
The popular Roxham Road crossing is now closed, pushing the issue further away. Local groups are concerned about the safety of migrants. They want to shift the narrative to focus on helping them, not fearing them.
As the inauguration approaches, the tension is palpable. People are worried about what might happen next. The local community is caught between compassion and concern, unsure of how to navigate this complex situation.
