RCMP plane with thermal imaging stops 6 people crossing U.S. border into Manitoba

Mounties are touting their ability to successfully protect Manitoba’s border with the U.S.

The RCMP says a plane equipped with thermal imaging was patrolling the border on the evening of Jan. 14 when it spotted six individuals heading towards Manitoba – about 15 kilometres east of Emerson.

The RCMP plane directed officers on the ground, at which point the six individuals reportedly fled into nearby woods.

WATCH: Thermal imaging footage shows arrested of six individuals at Manitoba border (RCMP)

All six people were found, arrested and transferred to the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).

“We want to be clear: we have the partnerships, the technology, and the resources in place to respond to the border and to stop illegal activity,” said assistant commissioner Lisa Moreland, a regional commander with the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region.

“By working closely with Canada Border Services Agency as well as provincial and U.S. law enforcement partners, we can detect and arrest those who attempt to cross our shared border.”

The RCMP said it happened on a very cold night and the individuals were not prepared for the Canadian winter; they were not wearing gloves or hats.

“We have seen firsthand heartbreaking situations where lives of adults and children have been lost in the attempt to crossing the border,” Moreland said. “To anyone who is thinking of crossing the border, don’t. You’re putting your life at risk, and you should not attempt under any circumstances.”

At Wednesday’s press conference, the RCMP also detailed two recent border incursions in Alberta — at the Coutts border crossing — including one that eventually turned fatal when the suspect turned a gun on himself following a lengthy police pursuit, authorities say.