Canada is trying to stop migrants from crossing into the United States, but it’s not easy. Six concrete blocks have been placed at a rural road leading to the U.S.-Canada border to prevent cars from driving over, yet people can still jump over them on foot.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer Daniel Dubois says these blocks aren’t enough. They’ve set up more cameras and sensors, but it’s tough to catch every migrant. Canada also promised to send more officers to the border because U.S. President-elect Donald Trump threatened high tariffs if Canada doesn’t control migrant crossings better.
In the past year, Canada turned back about 1,000 people who tried to cross into the country at unofficial spots, while U.S. authorities caught over 23,000 trying to head to America. Most migrant activity is still happening at the southern U.S. border with Mexico, where the numbers are much higher.
Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller told a group that Canada needs to show the U.S. it has a strong immigration system. He said Canada is facing a “credibility challenge” regarding its border security.
The RCMP patrols a 105-mile section of the border that’s known for migrant crossings. They rely on tips from the public and surveillance cameras. They can’t arrest people in Canada unless they’re breaking the law, even if they suspect those people might try to cross into the U.S.
Experts don’t believe new technology or extra officers will significantly stop crossings. Many think these efforts are just to give the appearance of security.
Advocates for refugees say that making it harder for migrants to cross the border only puts them in more danger. This year, at least nine people died near the Quebec-New York border after a rule change allowed either country to send asylum seekers back.
Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc has not commented on these plans. Some experts suggest that Canada should prevent migrants from arriving in the first place. Canada has started denying more visas and turning away travelers at the border.
Terry Rowe, a resident near the border, set up cameras and ended up recording migrants passing by his house. He has shared many videos with U.S. border patrol.
As the situation changes, Canadian authorities are preparing for an increase in migrants fleeing the potential deportations promised by Trump. RCMP officer Charles Poirier said they are ready for a possible surge, as Rowe notices more people coming from the U.S. to Canada.
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