North Michigan News

State Representatives Cam Cavitt and Gina Johnsen have announced the re-introduction of their legislative proposal to create state-level criminal penalties for human smuggling in Michigan. Currently, Michigan law penalizes human trafficking but lacks specific statutes addressing human smuggling. These two offenses differ as human smuggling involves transportation, while human trafficking focuses on exploitation, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Cavitt expressed disappointment over the lack of support from Democratic leadership for their proposal last year. “Last year, Democrats ignored our efforts to criminalize these heinous acts in Michigan," stated Cavitt, a Republican representative from Cheboygan. He referenced the previous administration's immigration policies, claiming, "The reforms undertaken by President Trump have been a blessing for our country as border encounters are down significantly." Cavitt highlighted the need for Michigan's legal system to align with federal efforts in combating human smuggling, asserting that their legal proposal would reinforce federal actions.

House Bills 4336 and 4337 seek to incorporate existing federal regulations against human smuggling at the state level, providing local enforcement in Michigan greater capability to prosecute such offenses. Michigan has over 700 miles of national border responsibility, making it a significant state in the context of international security alongside Texas and Alaska.

Johnsen, a Republican representative from Portland, highlighted Michigan's perceived lack of recognition as a border state and how this oversight poses additional risks. “When you think ‘border state,’ Michigan is far from the first place that comes to mind," she said. Johnsen described attempts by criminals to cross into the U.S. via unconventional methods, such as makeshift boats on Lake Huron, which endanger the local community. She emphasized that the proposed legislation would empower local law enforcement to address crimes of smuggling more effectively.

An incident two years prior serves as a case point for current vulnerabilities. U.S. Border Patrol agents at the Detroit Sector arrested five individuals involved in a smuggling attempt over the St. Clair River. With the help of a video monitoring system, agents intervened before the group, which had entered the U.S. from Canada, reached further into U.S. territory. The individuals involved were from India, Nigeria, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.