According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data released on Thursday, the number of migrants caught by the U.S. Border Patrol after entering the United States from Canada hit a new low in February, marking the lowest point since 2022. However, there has been an increase in the number of individuals apprehended after crossing into Canada.
Last month, 481 people were apprehended near the Canada-U.S. border, a decrease from 616 in January and a significant drop from the multi-year high of 3,601 in June. Customs and Border Protection did not provide immediate comment, but an official previously mentioned changes in the enforcement of a bilateral agreement between Canada and the U.S. that contributed to the decline in border crossings.
While Canadian law enforcement has limited jurisdiction over individuals crossing into the U.S., Canada has been taking steps to tighten visa issuance. The country faces pressure to enhance border security following concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding migrants and illicit fentanyl, prompting the announcement of a C$1.3-billion border plan and the appointment of a fentanyl czar.
On the southern border with Mexico, the number of migrants illegally crossing into the U.S. in February was anticipated to be close to a record low. Conversely, Canadian authorities reported a rise in the number of individuals apprehended crossing north from the U.S. and then turned back, reaching 126 in February – the highest monthly figure in a year.
As fears of mass deportations from the U.S. persist under Trump’s administration, Canadian authorities have been preparing for various scenarios. Trump has continued to threaten tariffs and talk of forcibly annexing Canada.
