The US Department of Justice announced on Thursday that it will expand efforts to combat human smuggling and trafficking along the border with Canada, citing a worsening situation there.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi said at a press conference in Florida: “Let me be clear, if you smuggle humans, you will be found, prosecuted, and brought to justice.” She added, “It doesn’t matter where you are.”

The department indicated that the mission of Joint Task Force Alpha, created by former President Joe Biden’s administration to combat human smuggling and trafficking networks, will be expanded to include the northeastern US border with Canada, specifically in New York and Vermont.

Bondi added that, in addition to its work on the southern border, criminal gangs have long operated on the northern border as well.

She said, “It has always been that way, but it has gotten much worse and more widespread. Because… smuggling drugs, weapons, and humans is a multi-billion-dollar business. Therefore, they will not stop just because we secure our southern border.”

When Joint Task Force Alpha was established in 2021, its mission was to combat “the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups” operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. In 2024, Panama and Colombia were added to its scope.

US network CNN cited data from US Customs and Border Protection showing increased trafficking efforts between the US states of New York and Vermont and Canada since 2023.