Migrants are now heading north into Canada in greater numbers than they are crossing south into the U.S. following President Trump’s strict immigration policies, sources told The Post.
Homeland Security officials report a surge of “northbounders” who are “self-deporting” out of fear of deportation under the new administration.
Migrants Escaping to Canada
In Washington state, border agents have observed an average of five migrants illegally crossing into Canada each day. Even before Trump’s policies took full effect, numbers were already climbing.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police recorded 40 illegal crossings from Washington into British Columbia in January, while U.S. Border Patrol documented 30 migrants moving south in the same period.
Many of those heading north previously crossed into the U.S. from Mexico and have temporary status, but fear their immigration cases won’t be approved, sources said.
Racing Against Deportation
Migrants are attempting to enter Canada before U.S. immigration authorities can detain and deport them.
“They technically have some form of status right now, and agents know they intend to cross illegally into Canada to avoid potential immigration consequences,” a source explained.
Even the most isolated sections of the 5,500-mile U.S.-Canada border are seeing increased migrant traffic.
In Alberta, Canadian mounted police recently discovered nine migrants, including children, braving the harsh February cold while crossing from the U.S. The New York Times reported that Canadian border officials have caught around 20 illegal migrants in Alberta this year, up from just seven the previous year.
A Dramatic Shift in Migration Patterns
This marks a sharp contrast from the Biden administration, when record numbers of migrants crossed illegally into the U.S. from Canada.
Last fiscal year, authorities apprehended approximately 23,700 migrants crossing south from Canada—compared to just 2,200 in 2022. However, this remains a fraction of the over one million illegal crossings at the southern border in the same period.
Canada Tightens Border Security
In response to the surge, the Trump administration has pressured Canada to strengthen border security, even threatening 25% tariffs.
Canada has since stepped up enforcement, scrutinizing fraudulent asylum claims and committing $900 million to border security, including purchasing two Black Hawk helicopters and drones.
Additionally, Canada has tightened visa requirements after migrants exploited its lenient entry policies to fly in before crossing into the U.S. illegally.
