Trump’s border czar says Canadian border is an ‘extreme’ vulnerability

As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s newly appointed border czar, Tom Homan, takes charge of all U.S. border issues, he has identified what he calls an “extreme national security vulnerability” along the Canada-U.S. border. Homan, who hails from an area near the border in upstate New York, has vowed to tackle the situation head-on once the new Republican administration assumes power.

In a recent interview with 7News in Watertown, N.Y., Homan highlighted the concerns regarding the northern border, emphasizing that individuals from countries known to sponsor terrorism often use Canada as a gateway into the U.S. He pointed out that the lack of sufficient officers on the Canadian border makes it easier for these “special interest aliens” to enter the country undetected.

While the number of irregular crossings over the U.S.-Mexico border surpasses those over the Canada-U.S. border in raw figures, there has been a significant increase in human smuggling activity along the eastern Ontario, Quebec, New York, and Vermont border regions over the past couple of years. U.S. Border Patrol agents have apprehended over 19,000 individuals from 97 different countries in this area over a 12-month period, a stark contrast to previous years.

Homan’s appointment comes at a time when the Trump administration is focused on cracking down on border security and mass deportations. He emphasized the need for collaboration between the U.S. and Canada to enforce immigration laws and prevent terrorists from exploiting the northern border as a point of entry into the United States. Homan stressed the importance of Canada understanding its role in maintaining border integrity and preventing security threats from crossing over.

In response, a spokesperson for Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated that Canadian law enforcement agencies are actively working with their U.S. counterparts to address border security issues. The statement highlighted the shared interest between the two countries in deepening collaboration on cross-border matters and emphasized Canada’s commitment to maintaining border integrity.

The pressure from the U.S. regarding irregular border crossings influenced Canada’s decision to reimpose visa requirements on Mexican nationals entering the country. This move aimed to address the rising numbers of irregular crossings from Mexico into New York state and Vermont. The top source country for irregular crossings from Canada is now India, according to U.S. data.

The Conservative party’s critic on immigration, refugee, and citizenship, Tom Kmiec, criticized the Liberal government for removing visa requirements for Mexican nationals in 2016 and delaying the reversal of this decision. Kmiec also pointed to recent cases involving individuals allegedly linked to ISIS planning attacks in Toronto and New York City, highlighting the need for stronger border security measures.

Human smuggling in Canada remains a deadly business, with organized crime groups charging exorbitant fees for smuggling operations that often turn fatal. Recent incidents, such as the drowning deaths of two families from India and Romania in the St. Lawrence River, underscore the dangers associated with illegal border crossings.

As Homan prepares to take on his role as the border czar, he is set to work closely with the Trump administration and Canadian officials to address the national security vulnerabilities along the Canada-U.S. border. The focus will be on enforcing immigration laws, cracking down on human smuggling, and preventing security threats from infiltrating the border.