New Hampshire, Québec Government Officials Meet To Discuss Safety And Security Efforts At The Northern Border

TWIN MOUNTAIN, N.H. – Today, representatives from the New Hampshire Department of Safety, U.S. Border Patrol, and local law enforcement met with representatives from the Québec government to discuss cross-border public safety initiatives at the northern border. It was the first in-person meeting since the Cooperation Agreement between the State of New Hampshire and the Gouvernement du Québec was renewed by Governor Chris Sununu and Premier François Legault this past spring.

“Earlier this year, we signed a historic agreement with our neighbors in Québec, recognizing the need for enhanced border security,” said Governor Chris Sununu. “Today’s meeting operationalizes that agreement by coordinating with the law enforcement officers and agencies on the front lines. Preventative efforts like this are a key component to deterrence.”

“Border security has always been a priority and I am pleased to work with New Hampshire and Governor Sununu to strengthen border protection,” said Premier of Québec François Legault. “This agreement will enable better collaboration in response to increasing migratory flows and help combat illegal immigration on both sides of the border. I look forward to continuing this partnership with the leadership of the Granite State. The SQ is already taking action, and Québec is committed to working closely with all law enforcement agencies across our American partners.”

Under the agreement signed earlier this year, the State of New Hampshire and the Québec government collaborate and exchange information regarding public safety issues, including organized crime, terrorism, violent radicalization, drug trafficking, cybercrime, arms trafficking and emergency measures. The partnership also reaffirms the mutual commitment to continued enhancements of communication and border security efforts.

“Relationships, and the exchange of information and intelligence, are critical to identifying and mitigating threats as well as preventing and solving crimes,” said Department of Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn. “Today’s meeting was focused on collaboration and taking the necessary steps to effectuate the agreement with our neighbors to the north.”

“Today, I was glad to actively collaborate with New Hampshire to seek solutions to various border security issues through the inaugural Cooperative Safety Meeting,” said Québec Designated Delegate to New England René Sylvestre. “I’m pleased that respecting the principles of privacy, civil liberties and human rights is guiding us through this partnership.”

Last month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced its expanded enforcement efforts in response to changing migration trends has yielded a reduction in encounters by 69% from June to October in the Swanton Sector. CBP previously reported historic highs of apprehensions and encounters in the sector, which includes New York, Vermont and New Hampshire.

In addition to federal efforts, members of state, county and local law enforcement conduct patrols along the northern border under the guidance of the Northern Border Alliance Task Force formed last year. The objective of the Task Force is to reduce the instances of crimes and illicit activity; respond to all threats, all crimes, all hazards; and collect, share, and act upon criminal intelligence. The Task Force also cooperates, as needed, with federal law enforcement officers in the enforcement of federal criminal immigration laws.

“Through the state’s partnership with Québec, and under the oversight of Attorney General Formella, our State Troopers remain committed to preventing crime and improving the safety of everyone who travels on the interstates and lives in the communities of the North Country,” said New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark Hall.

The next meeting between New Hampshire and Québec government officials will be scheduled in 2025.