The federal government is investigating reports that two Canadian fishing vessels were approached, and crew members questioned, by U.S. Border Patrol agents in Canadian waters in the Gulf of Maine in late June.
According to Global Affairs Canada, the incidents occurred June 24 and June 25 around Machias Seal Island and North Rock.
While details are scant, the fishermen are members of the Grand Manan Fishermen's Association. Laurence Cook, the association's chair, wrote on Facebook that the U.S. officials claimed they were "looking for illegal immigrants."
Cook declined to be interviewed.
CBC News emailed U.S. Customs and Border Protection for comment and was told the U.S. State Department is working with the Canadian government on the matter.
A spokesperson for the state department said Customs and Border Protection usually handles these matters and that a response wasn't likely today.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed it is investigating the incidents and said it will be contacting U.S. agencies involved.
"Canada's sovereignty over the Machias Seal Island and the surrounding waters is long-standing and has a strong foundation in international law," Global Affairs spokesperson Elizabeth Reid said in an email.
"Until the matter of the boundary is resolved, we will continue to take practical steps with the U.S. to ensure that the area is well managed.
"Canada and the United States have a long history of co-operation which ensures that fishing in this area in well-managed and safe for both countries."
Robert Huebert, an associate professor of political science at the University of Calgary, said it's a troubling sign, especially given the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy at the U.S.-Mexico border.
"To my knowledge, we haven't had many issues on this for quite some time, so it is both surprising and I think a little concerning to see this coming forward again," Huebert said.
He said the fishermen were well within their rights and U.S. officials had no jurisdiction to question them.
Didn't the war of 1812 start because the brits were doing this to us? ---
Not changing until the mods post a video of one of them doing the macarena. (5/5/2018) [Socialist][Moderate][15][Bisexual][Caucasian][Male][Proud American]