As Donald Trump prepares to take office once again, Canadian police and migrant support organizations are on edge, anticipating a significant increase in asylum seekers fleeing the United States.
With Trump’s victory, which included promises of widespread deportations, Canada is preparing for a potential wave of irregular border crossings, a situation reminiscent of his first term in 2017.
In response, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have been actively preparing.
RCMP Sergeant Charles Poirier stated, “We knew a few months ago that we had to start prepping a contingency plan because if he comes into power, which now he will in a few months, it could drive illegal migration and irregular migration into (the province of) Quebec and into Canada,” Poirier told Reuters.
“Worst-case scenario would be people crossing in large numbers everywhere on the territory.
“Let’s say we had 100 people per day entering across the border, then it’s going to be hard because our officers will basically have to cover huge distances in order to arrest everyone,” he said.
The RCMP, recognizing the impact Trump’s policies may have on vulnerable populations, has outlined measures to handle what could be a new influx at border points.
Canada previously experienced a spike in asylum claims, especially at informal crossings like Roxham Road, near Quebec’s border with New York.
However, following a recent agreement between Canada and the U.S., asylum-seekers are now turned away if they attempt to cross outside official checkpoints. This policy change, covering the 4,000-mile border, complicates matters for those hoping to find refuge in Canada.
Despite these barriers, migrant advocates fear that people may still try to enter Canada in high-risk ways. Abdulla Daoud, director of The Refugee Centre in Montreal, expressed concerns: “When you don’t create legitimate pathways, or when you only create pathways where people have to do the impossible to receive safety, you know, unfortunately, people are going to try to do the impossible.”
As the situation develops, the RCMP has prepared for increased patrols and the possibility of deploying more officers and resources. Poirier confirmed, “We were on high alert, I can tell you, a few days before the election, and we’ll probably remain on alert for the next coming weeks,” as Canadian authorities brace for the impact of Trump’s return to the White House on U.S.-Canada border dynamics.
