Two men sentenced for illegal border crossing at Sprague

Two people were sentenced after an illegal border crossing attempt at the Sprague port of entry in Manitoba on May 7, 2026, according to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

The incident

CBSA says Annan Nigel Ferguson, a 50-year-old U.S. citizen, arrived at the port driving a minivan with a U.S. license plate. After detecting inconsistencies with Ferguson’s declaration statement, officers searched the vehicle and identified Temitope Omofuyi Davies, a 46-year-old foreign national, hiding in the trunk of the minivan. Both were arrested by the CBSA.

During an interview with CBSA criminal investigators, Davies admitted he paid Ferguson $1,000 USD to facilitate the illegal entry, and the money was found in Ferguson’s wallet as evidence of payment. CBSA also says Davies had previously been caught in March 2026 attempting to illegally cross into Canada between ports of entry near Surrey, B.C.

Sentences

On November 4, 2026, Ferguson was sentenced to one year in prison after pleading guilty in Winnipeg Provincial Court of aiding or abetting failure to report, contrary to section 131 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). With pre-sentencing time in custody, he has approximately three months remaining to serve.

Davies pled guilty on August 19, 2026, in Manitoba Provincial Court to the charge of failure to report, contrary to section 124 of IRPA. He was sentenced to time served, equivalent to 156 days in prison.

Official statements

The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety, said: "The Canada Border Services Agency upholds the integrity of Canada's immigration system by safeguarding our borders and prosecuting individuals who attempt to break our laws. These convictions sends an important message to anyone considering illegally crossing across into Canada: you will be caught and held accountable."

Janalee Bell-Boychuk, Regional Director General, Canada Border Services Agency, Prairie Region, said: "The CBSA border services officers and criminal investigations team in Manitoba skillfully uncovered and investigated this illegal stowaway entry attempt. We will continue to gather evidence and pursue prosecution against those who attempt to willfully violate Canada's immigration system. All persons seeking entry to Canada must present themselves to the CBSA."

Why it matters

The case shows that CBSA pursues criminal prosecution for illegal border-crossing attempts, including stowaway entries, and that both the driver and the person concealed in the vehicle can face prison time under the IRPA.

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Sources

• pembinavalleyonline.com: Pair sentenced after illegal border crossing at Sprague - PembinaValleyOnline.com - Local news, Weather, Sports, Free Classifieds and Business Listings for the Pembina Valley, Manitoba
• newswire.ca: CBSA investigation into stowaway attempt at Manitoba border leads to prison sentence

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.