Illegal crossings at US-Canada border drop — but enforcement shrinks: ‘Opportunity for terrorists’

US Officials Urge Reinforcements at Canadian Border Amid Security Concerns

United States officials are appealing for additional support at the Canadian border, asserting that “the most dangerous individuals are entering” through the largely unmonitored crossing points. This plea for resources underscores growing worries regarding border security along the northern border, even as focus intensifies on the southern border. While illegal crossings at the Canada-US border initially decreased, progress has plateaued, raising alarms among law enforcement and policymakers.

Decline in Illegal Entries Stalls

The number of unlawful entries from the frequently overlooked northern border significantly decreased following the presidential election. However, this downward trend has largely stagnated in recent months as Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) redirected resources to the southwest border with Mexico.

Resource Shift Creates Vulnerabilities

Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA), co-chair of the Northern Border Security Caucus, stated, “They had to reallocate manpower to the southwest border, which created an even greater vulnerability for potential terrorists to infiltrate through our northern border.” He emphasized, “The numbers are not as substantial as those at the southern border—I understand that, but the most perilous individuals are traversing the northern border.”

Statistical Overview of Border Crossings

Crossings from Canada into the US have decreased from 12,085 apprehensions in November to 4,098 in February, marking a 66% reduction, according to the latest data from CBP.

Southern Border Focus Impacts Northern Border

As CBP redeployed border patrol agents and resources to address the situation at the southern border, the statistics for crossings from Canada have correspondingly diminished. February’s figures represent a significant decrease—78%—from a high point of 18,944 apprehensions while attempting to enter the US illegally in August.

Contrast with US-Mexico Border

This situation contrasts sharply with the US-Mexico border, which has witnessed a dramatic decrease of over 90% in illegal crossings, from a peak of 301,981 in December 2023 to 11,709 in February.

Challenges of the Vast Northern Border

The northern border is recognized as the world’s longest land border, stretching over 5,500 miles across largely undeveloped terrain and minimally supervised areas beyond official points of entry.

Historically, it has received less scrutiny than the US-Mexico border, until recently when it became entangled in emerging trade tensions between the two neighboring nations.

Smuggling Operations and Ease of Access

Recent reports have highlighted Canadian smugglers openly advertising illegal border crossings on social media platforms like TikTok, soliciting thousands of dollars for assistance. Residents residing near the Canadian border have also reported frequently observing individuals simply walking into the United States.

Representative Kelly further commented on the accessibility of the border: “That border is incredibly easy to access and traverse. It’s as simple as stepping from one patch of grass to another. You merely cross an invisible line to enter the United States.”

Canadian Law Enforcement Challenges

On the Canadian side, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) also faces constraints in resources to effectively patrol the extensive expanse separating the two countries.

RCMP Response to Border Security

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police acknowledged to The Post, “The diverse terrain and unpredictable climate along the vast Canada-US border undoubtedly present obstacles for both nations.”

The RCMP stated they have augmented their resources in recent months, deploying additional officers, drones, and helicopters, and strategically repositioning personnel to regions known for attracting illegal crossings.