Illegal Items and Inadmissible Entries Surge at U.S.-Canada Border
The U.S.-Canada border has witnessed a significant rise in the confiscation of illegal items and a surge in inadmissible foreign nationals attempting to enter Canada from the United States, according to local media reports on Tuesday.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) reported an uptick in the seizures of dangerous drugs, firearms, and stolen vehicles during the first ten months of 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, as reported by CTV News.
Border agents intercepted 2,070 stolen vehicles before they could be shipped abroad, nearly 500 more than were intercepted last year. This increase highlights the growing challenge of preventing stolen goods from entering international black markets.
Moreover, CBSA agents turned away nearly 34,000 individuals deemed inadmissible—a roughly 30 percent increase from the 25,500 identified during the same period in 2023. These individuals were denied entry due to various reasons, including criminality, security concerns, and violations of immigration laws.
The agency also reported that over 14,000 foreign nationals were removed from Canada between New Year’s Day and Halloween of this year for violations of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. This figure underscores the CBSA’s intensified efforts to uphold Canada’s immigration policies and maintain border security.
The spike in both illegal item confiscations and inadmissible entries points to evolving challenges at one of the world’s longest international borders. The CBSA continues to collaborate with international partners and employs advanced technologies to detect and deter illegal activities.
The reasons behind this surge are multifaceted, involving increased cross-border criminal activities, shifts in migration patterns, and perhaps broader geopolitical factors. However, the CBSA remains committed to safeguarding Canada’s borders and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
As the end of the year approaches, border security remains a priority for Canadian authorities. The CBSA urges travelers to comply with all regulations and for communities to remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activities.
Reference(s):
Illegal items, inadmissible entries increase at U.S.-Canada border
cgtn.com
