RCMP say they stopped two groups of people illegally crossing the border near Emerson last night.

The first group involved four individuals, the second group had three individuals.

Police will not give the nationality or ages of those who attempted to cross from Sunday night into Monday.

Earlier in the weekend, 21 asylum seekers crossed the border in two large groups. That means 28 individuals attempted over the weekend and 69 so far in 2017.

Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council strives to provide settlement services for refugees and immigrants living in Manitoba.

However, with the recent influx of asylum seekers, they have hit capacity.

Executive Director Rita Chahal says among those that crossed on the weekend was a family with young children.
    
She notes it was a long and difficult journey for the kids

"They were hungry, so we certainly provided food for them. But it was just the smiles on their faces," Chahal says. "This is why we're here, this is what we do."

Chahal says the people from Emerson, who have been the first to respond, are amazing, hospitable, and generous people.