Weapons and drug seizures at the northern border have raised alarm among national security officials as President Donald Trump continues to ramp up enforcement efforts at border crossings and in the interior of the United States.

In one instance, Border Patrol and ATF agents arrested Honduran national Yubert Yasiel Lopez, 31 on weapons trafficking charges. Yasiel illegally re-entered the United States after being previously deported.

In another, Border Patrol agents in New York apprehended a minivan with five Iranian citizens and two Uzbekistani nationals. All were adult men and are being processed for removal from the United States.

The surge in illegal border crossings at the northern border began under the Biden administration and has caused tension between President Trump and the Canadian government as they continue negotiations over tariffs and border security. (RELATED: White House Pushes Back Against Proposed Amnesty Deal by Republican Congresswoman)

Trump has repeatedly accused the Canadian government of having porous borders that are a source of drug trafficking to the United States, while the Canadian government has downplayed the issue.

In the Swanton border sector which covers parts of New York, Vermont, and New Hampshire, border crossings reached unprecedented levels in 2023, resulting in higher crossings than the last ten years combined.

While the issue has caused unease among Americans living near the border and national security officials, Swanton Sector Chief Border Patrol Agent Robert Garcia said that border security agents are up to the task of protecting the shared border between Canada and the United States.

“Border security is national security and directly correlates to public safety,” Garcia said, adding that “Swanton Sector agents remain vigilant and committed to protecting our borders and enforcing immigration laws.” (RELATED: Big Beautiful Bill Signed Into Law, Cementing Trump Tax Legacy and Unlocking Next-Term Agenda)