[An image of a police officer arresting a person. Photo Credit to Pixabay]

A suspected “border runner” was arrested late Wednesday, Jan 28, after police responded to a report of an illegal crossing near Abbotsford’s southern edge, close to the Canada-US border.

Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) patrol officers responded to reports of an illegal crossing just before 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

The arrest occurred near the intersection of Zero Avenue and Mt. Lehman Road, a rural stretch of the Fraser Valley that runs directly along the international boundary.

According to a statement released by authorities, a Police Service dog played a critical role in tracking the individual through the area. 

Following his apprehension police said the man was transferred to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) for federal processing. 

Authorities did not release the man’s name and did not provide details regarding possible charges or what steps may follow.

Even when details are limited, incidents like this can affect how residents perceive safety in border-adjacent neighbourhoods.

Because the call happened at night, some people felt uneasy about  increased foot traffic near rural roads, farms, or residential properties after dark.

The location is significant because Zero Avenue is part of a corridor that has been repeatedly mentioned in local reports involving illegal crossings.

Police and border agencies generally advise the public not to approach someone they suspect of crossing the border unlawfully.

Instead, they recommend reporting suspicious activity and letting trained officers handle the situation.

The CBSA plays a crucial role as immigration enforcement is handled federally, not by municipal police.

According to its public information pages, the CBSA says that, to fulfill its mandate, it may arrest, detain monitor, and remove foreign nationals who are not allowed to remain in Canada, depending on the circumstances of each case.

This week’s arrest is not the first time Abbotsford has encountered similar incidents.

In September 2025, local media reported multiple “border runner” arrests in Abbotsford over two nights, with those individuals also turned over to the CBSA.

This pattern suggests that illegal crossings can happen repeatedly in the region and can require coordination between local police and federal border officials.

Though the immediate impact on residents remains indirect, the arrest has become a focal point of public discourse for Families in Abbotsford.

Some residents ask whether more resources should go toward patrols, prevention, or public awareness, while others simply want reassurance that calls are handled quickly and safely.

For example, Police service dogs can help officers search more efficiently in low visibility or uneven terrain, which may reduce risk during nighttime responses.

Police did not disclose whether the man was alone or whether the incident is connected to any larger investigation.

Any further updates, if released, would likely come from federal authorities or through court information if charges are laid.

For now, AbbyPD continues to advise the public to report suspicious activity immediately and avoid direct intervention. 

Given Abbotsford’s position along the international border corridor, authorities note that such incidents often unfold rapidly and without prior warning.

While the arrest had no direct impact on the general public, it has heightened local awareness regarding property security and nighttime safety.

Moving forward, the investigation will likely shift to federal authorities as they decide whether formal charges will be laid following the man’s processing.