Two Turkish men have been apprehended for illegally crossing into the United States from Canada near Hall Stream, a river that marks part of the border between Pittsburg, New Hampshire, and Canada. This was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack.
The individuals, Serif Alihan, aged 33, and Mustafa Kaya, aged 32, face charges of illegal entry. They are scheduled to appear in federal court later today.
Charging documents reveal that on February 26, 2025, a Beecher Falls Border Patrol Agent encountered Alihan and Kaya near Hall Stream. The two were found covered in snow with wet clothing. The agent traced their footprints back to Hall Stream; the trail ended on the New Hampshire side and resumed on the Canadian side.
The investigation is being led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew T. Hunter is handling the prosecution.
It is important to note that the details in the charging documents are allegations at this stage. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.