Acting Chief Patrol Agent Richard J. Fortunato

Please join us in welcoming Winn Dixie, affectionately known as “Winnie,” to Swanton Sector, and in wishing her a very happy third birthday! Winnie is Swanton Sector’s Critical Incident Response K9 and recently completed canine academy alongside her handler. As a terrier mix, Winnie will provide support to Border Patrol agents and their families, partner agencies, and members of the community. She is already making a positive impression throughout the sector, one tail wag and paw shake at a time. Happy Birthday, Winnie! #SwantonSector #K9Journey

Following an attempted vehicle stop on Oct. 18 in Massena, Border Patrol agents arrested two occupants after a vehicle that had entered the United States without inspection through the Akwesasne Territory failed to yield and fled. Agents successfully deployed tire-deflation devices, but the vehicle continued fleeing before striking a marked Border Patrol vehicle and coming to a stop. The driver’s actions posed a serious risk to other motorists. State and federal charges are pending.

On Oct. 18, Massena Station agents encountered a suspected alien-smuggling vehicle in the Akwesasne Territory. When agents attempted a vehicle stop near Brasher Falls, New York, the driver accelerated in an attempt to flee before losing control and coming to a stop in front of a marked Border Patrol unit. Two U.S. citizen principals were arrested in connection with the smuggling of four Vietnamese nationals. The driver now faces federal human smuggling charges, while the illegal aliens will be processed for deportation. U.S. Border Patrol remains vigilant in protecting our communities and securing the border against human-smuggling activity.

Even though the fall has set in, this green doesn't fade. #SwantonSector #NewportStation

Where the slash marks the line, our mission spans the miles. @USBPChief @USBPChiefHLT @USBPChiefBUN

Thanks to the vigilance of Newport Station Border Patrol agents, a Senegalese national previously removed from the United States was apprehended after illegally reentering from Canada near Holland, Vermont. According to court records, the individual had prior convictions in Ohio, including felony attempted vehicular assault, felony theft, felony receipt of stolen property, and misdemeanor driving while impaired. He was processed for federal prosecution for illegal reentry after prior removal. The U.S. Border Patrol remains committed to enforcing federal law and protecting our communities. For more information, visit our Facebook page, where we’ve shared the link to the full U.S. Attorney’s Office press release.

Off duty, still serving. An off-duty Champlain Station Border Patrol Agent helped rescue two people from a burning vehicle after a crash near Beekmantown, NY. The Agent's actions reflect the highest ideals of the U.S. Border Patrol. #HonorFirst

Meet Misty, one of our newest K-9 team members in training! Misty is currently preparing for her next step: final training and certification in El Paso. With her energy, focus, and strong nose, she is already showing great promise as she works toward becoming certified to support our mission. Alongside her partner, Misty will continue building the skills needed to help keep our communities, facilities, and personnel safe once she completes certification. Please join us in welcoming Misty to the team. We’re excited to follow her journey as she trains, grows, and prepares to serve. Welcome aboard, Misty! 🐾 #CBP #BorderPatrol #K9Unit

SMUGGLING ATTEMPT DISRUPTED! Burke Station Border Patrol agents disrupted a human smuggling event near Ellenburg, New York. A U.S. citizen fled from agents before being stopped and was charged under 8 U.S.C. § 1324 for transporting four Indian nationals who had illegally entered the United States from Canada. The U.S. Border Patrol Swanton Sector will continue working to disrupt human smuggling and protect the communities we serve.

Twenty-five years later, we remember the lives taken on September 11, 2001, and the families forever changed. We also remember the unity, courage, and resilience that carried our nation forward. We will never forget. #BorderPatrol #NeverForget911 #HonorFirst

This Labor Day, we recognize the dedication of those serving on the front lines to protect our borders and ensure the safety of our nation. #LaborDayHeroes #NationalSecurity #BorderPatrol

Your next mission could start on the northern border. The U.S. Border Patrol is hiring, to include positions in Massena, Ogdensburg and Swanton. Join Swanton Sector and serve with purpose. Apply today: U.S. Border Patrol | CBP Careers

From the dirt track to the speedway, we’re keeping the momentum going. If you didn’t catch us at Unadilla MX, race over to New Hampshire Motor Speedway: NASCAR and meet our recruiters there! @USBPChief @CBP @UnadillaMX

Swanton Sector Agents: securing the border and addressing illegal immigration 365 days a year. 🏔️☀️ @USBPChief

A dangerous fugitive on the FBI's Wanted list is off our streets, thanks to the vigilance and swift action of agents in Swanton Sector. Working alongside our law enforcement partners, our agents continue to protect our communities by keeping dangerous criminals out of our neighborhoods. Vigilance. Integrity. Service to Country. @FBIAlbany @FBILosAngeles @USBPChief

On June, 10th 2026, several Newton Azrak awards were presented in Swanton Sector. Congratulations to all the recipients.

Swanton Sector agents have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to national security. Over the weekend, across Vermont and New York, our dedicated agents apprehended over 20 individuals involved in cross-border smuggling events. Through continuous patrols by land, air, and water, utilizing a variety of assets and technologies, we detect and interdict illicit activity. We remain steadfast in our mission to secure our borders. The border is closed to illegal entry.

On May 16, 2023, Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents conducted a vehicle stop near Champlain, NY, after receiving information from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police of possible smuggling activity in the area. During their investigation, agents discovered over 68 pounds of marijuana, two loaded handguns (one non-serialized), and more than $155,000 in cash inside the vehicle. The driver and passenger were detained, and the vehicle, money, firearms, and narcotics were seized for further investigation by federal authorities. Following the arrest, the driver pleaded guilty to the related charges and was recently sentenced to 72 months in prison and 2 years of supervised release. Border security is vital to protecting our communities.  If you witness suspicious activity near the border, contact Swanton Sector Dispatch at 1-800-689-3362. Your calls make a difference.

Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents recently partnered with the New Hampshire National Guard Counter Drug Program to enhance aerial surveillance capabilities. As part of this collaborative effort, agents participated in specialized Aerial Observer training, which included two familiarization flights. Through this training, six Swanton agents successfully earned their certifications as aerial observers. Additionally, five more agents completed the classroom portion and are scheduled for their certification flights in the near future. These advanced skills will further strengthen our operational readiness and support our ongoing mission to secure the nation’s borders Border security is national security which directly correlates with public safety!

On April 24, 2026, Swanton Sector Border Patrol agents in Derby, Vermont, responded to alerts of an illegal border crossing from Canada and apprehended a Cuban national, who had previously been ordered removed from the United States. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has since obtained a federal indictment for unlawful reentry after removal. The defendant is detained pending trial and is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, the maximum penalty is up to 2 years in prison. Read more from the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Vermont below. @USAO_VT