U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is reporting an unprecedented number of migrant encounters along the northern border with Canada, registering 19,498 encounters between October 2023 and July 2024. This marks a significant increase, particularly in the Swanton Sector, which borders Quebec, New York, and Vermont. Experts warn that this rise in illegal border crossings, fueled by organized smuggling operations, could challenge Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration and draw more political scrutiny as the U.S. approaches its next presidential election.
The increase, attributed to heightened security at the U.S. southern border, has led smugglers to direct migrants through Canada, often putting them at risk in remote and dangerous conditions. The RCMP and U.S. authorities have ramped up efforts to intercept these movements, but concerns over Canada’s screening capabilities and coordination with U.S. agencies remain.
Analysts like Kelly Sundberg, a former Canadian border enforcement officer, believe Canada’s immigration system lacks the robustness needed to adequately screen migrants, complicating security measures. The U.S., meanwhile, continues to increase its focus on managing the growing northern border challenge.
In response, Canada has pledged closer cooperation with U.S. authorities, but experts say the situation requires urgent attention to prevent further exploitation by human smuggling networks.