Illegal border crosser apprehended after paddleboarding across St. Clair River

U.S. Border Patrol. (Source: U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents apprehended an Iranian citizen who Illegally entered the United States from Canada across the St. Clair River.

While patrolling the border, Marysville agents received reports of a person carrying a paddle board along the U.S. side of the St. Clair River near East China Township.

CBP agents say they quickly located and identified the 18-year-old man, who had just illegally crossed the U.S.-Canada border through the St. Clair River. He was taken into custody.

“Incidents like this underscore the vital role the public plays in border security,” said Chief Patrol Agent John Morris of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Detroit Sector. “We rely on and value the vigilance and cooperation of our communities to identify and report suspicious activity, and their involvement remains essential to our mission.”

CBP officials say record checks revealed the man as Iranian national legally residing in Canada. He was processed for expedited removal and returned to Canada.

Members of the public are encouraged to report suspicious activity near the border by calling the Border Patrol’s 24/7 tip line at 800-537-3220.