In recent developments, over 300 Bhutanese individuals, primarily students, have illegally crossed the Canada-US border, driven by harsh conditions in Canada. This surge in illegal crossings has coincided with a broader trend, as U.S. authorities reported apprehending over 23,000 individuals near the border in the past year, more than double the previous year's figures [f44a153f]. In response to this alarming situation, Bhutan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MoFAET) held a consultation meeting on December 20, 2024, to address the issue of illegal crossings and explore potential solutions [f44a153f].
The Canadian government, under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has recently unveiled a comprehensive Border Plan aimed at enhancing security and immigration systems. This plan includes a significant investment of USD 1.3 billion, with USD 909 million allocated specifically for border security over the next six years [f44a153f]. The initiative seeks to combat irregular migration and organized crime, reflecting a growing concern about the challenges posed by illegal crossings [f44a153f].
In a related context, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has publicly validated former President Donald Trump's concerns regarding border security, announcing a $29 million initiative to tackle border issues. This comes as unlawful crossings at the Canada-U.S. border reportedly doubled from 7,630 to 19,498 between October 2023 and July 2024 [7e850d3f]. Smith's comments could escalate tensions and undermine cooperative solutions between the two nations, especially given that Canada-U.S. trade amounts to nearly $2.5 billion daily [7e850d3f].
Despite increased surveillance measures by Canadian police, there are ongoing challenges in preventing southbound crossings. Reports indicate that Bhutanese agents are charging between USD 4,000 to 5,000 for migration assistance, which has contributed to the rise in illegal crossings [f44a153f]. As Canada moves forward with plans to amend immigration laws to enhance enforcement, the implications of these developments for both Canadian and U.S. border security will be closely monitored [f44a153f].
Moreover, U.S. Customs reported seizing less than 20 kg of fentanyl at the Canada-U.S. border in 2023, in stark contrast to over 9,000 kg seized at the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting the differing challenges faced by each border [7e850d3f]. As Canada navigates these complexities, the effectiveness of its new measures will be tested in the coming months as they seek to address the root causes of illegal migration [f44a153f].