Migrant crossings from Canada into the United States have reached their lowest point since 2022, while the reverse trend is observed with an increase in crossings from the U.S. to Canada, as indicated by the latest data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) released on March 13. In February, U.S. Border Patrol apprehended 481 migrants at the northern border, a notable decrease from 616 in January and a peak of 3,601 recorded in June. According to Reuters, this decline is attributed to modifications in the enforcement of a bilateral agreement that permits both nations to deny entry to asylum-seekers crossing through unofficial channels. A U.S. official previously indicated that these enforcement adjustments played a role in the reduced crossings, although CBP has not yet provided comments on the latest statistics. Canada, which has limited control over migrants traveling southward into the U.S., has concentrated on tightening its visa issuance policies to mitigate crossings.
The Canadian government has faced pressure from the U.S. to enhance its border security, particularly by President Donald Trump’s assertions linking migration to the trafficking of illicit fentanyl, which he used to justify calls for stringent trade tariffs.In response to these pressures, Canada unveiled a C$1.3 billion border security initiative and appointed a fentanyl czar; however, threats from Trump regarding tariffs and even potential annexation have persisted, as noted by Reuters. While crossings into the U.S. have diminished, the number of migrants apprehended while attempting to enter Canada has increased, with Canadian authorities turning back 126 individuals in February, the highest monthly total in a year, according to the Canada Border Services Agency. Canadian officials have been bracing for a potential surge in northbound migration, particularly as Trump has consistently promised mass deportations. Concurrently, migrant apprehensions at the U.S.-Mexico border in February are projected to approach a record low for the month.
