What happens when you don't die on time?

In a rural farming region south of Montreal, a narrow trail slices through the forest, separating Hemmingford, Que., from Mooers, New York. Through text messages sent at around 2 a.m. on Jan. 22, 2025, two alleged human smugglers prepare to send clients southbound, from Canada into the United States, through the snow-covered woodlands on foot. “Be ready. Four people,” says one smuggler preparing for the illegal crossing of his clients. “Copy,” replies his colleague, who is awaiting their arrival on the U.S. side of the border. The messages and other details are taken from...