Late in 2023, CBC/ Radio-Canada reported on a “lucrative and growing cross-border human smuggling market,” most of which is through a location called the Swanton sector.
Skip ahead to last November and Donald Trump’s so-called “border czar,” Tom Homan, has characterized the Canadian border as an “extreme national security vulnerability.” Still, the Canada Border Services Agency has renewed its commitment with a theme of “efficiency, security and prosperity” on International Customs Day, January 26th.
Karine Martel, a spokesperson for the CBSA, said the Canada Border Services Agency is prepared to adapt to any events or activities that might impact its operations.
“The [Canada Border Services] agency has also strengthened its situational awareness and reporting to ensure that it is prepared to respond to activities or events that could have an impact on its operations,” said Martel. “The CBSA is working with federal government partners, provincial, territorial and Indigenous communities, as well as local law enforcement agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to border security.”
The agency suggests it continually strives to enhance operational efficiency with its “coordinated approach to border security.”
“The CBSA is always striving to enhance operational efficiency,” reads the release from the Canada Border Services Agency. “For example, we are using new technology and streamlining processes for the border processing of travellers and goods. For travellers, this includes facial recognition to help confirm travellers’ identity securely, while making the process faster and easier.”
While the Canada Border Service Agency deals with those making border crossings at a port of entry easier and more efficient, the RCMP deals with crossings between and outside of those ports. Moreover, according to data from the Government of Canada, only two RCMP interceptions were reported across Ontario for all of 2024 while the CBSA helped tens of thousands of people enter through air and land ports of entry.
The CBSA president also thinks the agency works alongside law enforcement agencies for a “secure and prosperous future for everyone.”
“International Customs Day is an opportunity to highlight the CBSA’s tireless efforts in protecting our border and contributing to global security and prosperity,” stated Erin O’Gorman, President of the Canada Border Services Agency in the release. “Working in partnership with customs and law enforcement organizations in Canada and around the world, we are making a real difference in building a safe, secure and prosperous future for everyone.”
Martel Echoed O’Gorman’s response, and said there are plans in place should there be an influx of asylum seekers.
“In case of an influx of asylum seekers at the Canadian border, the CBSA has plans in place to maintain its operations, ensure the safety and security of its employees and infrastructure, and keep legitimate travellers and goods crossing our borders safely,” said Martel. “These plans protect the integrity of our immigration system and the security of Canadians while ensuring the safety of border services officers. Depending on the scenario, CBSA’s mitigation plans include additional resources at ports of entry, communication protocols and collaboration with local law enforcement, emergency medical services, other government services and U.S. partners.”
