RCMP intercepts 44 asylum seekers, including children, in truck near Quebec border; some already returned to U.S. under Safe Third Country rules.
Dozens Intercepted in Overnight Border Crossing Attempt
Canadian authorities intercepted 44 asylum seekers and three suspected human smugglers late Sunday night near Stanstead, Quebec, as the group attempted to illegally cross the border from the United States concealed in the back of a truck.
Operation Coordinated by RCMP and Quebec Police
The truck was stopped near Haskell Road following a coordinated operation between the RCMP and the Sûreté du Québec. Authorities confirmed the presence of children among the migrants. The group was taken to the local Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office in Stanstead for processing.
Migrants Screened at Regional Processing Centre
Miguel Bégin, CBSA’s East Border District Director, stated that the majority of the individuals were transferred to the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle regional processing centre. There, they are being evaluated to determine eligibility for refugee status in Canada.
Immediate Deportations Under Border Agreement
Bégin confirmed that several migrants were already returned to the U.S. on Monday for failing to meet exemption criteria under the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA)—a treaty that blocks refugee claims at official crossings if asylum seekers arrive from a “safe” country like the U.S. More deportations are expected in the coming days. Authorities have not disclosed the migrants’ nationalities.
Suspected Smugglers Charged Under Immigration Law
The three individuals alleged to have smuggled the migrants have been charged under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, accused of aiding and abetting unlawful entry into Canada through a non-designated crossing. They appeared in court via video conference on Sunday and remain in custody. A follow-up court appearance is scheduled for August 6.
Political Tensions Heighten Cross-Border Scrutiny
The interception comes amid mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has cited illegal immigration and cross-border fentanyl trafficking as grounds for proposed economic tariffs against Canada. In response, Ottawa is advancing a $1.3-billion border modernization strategy, including hiring new enforcement officers and expanding aerial surveillance.
Advocacy Groups Call for Policy Reform
Frantz André, spokesperson for the Comité d’action des personnes sans statut, voiced concern about mass deportations from the U.S. and urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to reconsider Canada’s role in the Safe Third Country Agreement. He called for a humanitarian pathway for migrants from countries facing unrest—such as Haiti—mirroring the federal program established for Ukrainian refugees.
Spike in Quebec Asylum Claims
CBSA data shows a steep rise in refugee claims at the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle crossing, with 3,089 applications filed in July 2025, compared to just 613 in July 2024. Officials warn that similar mass crossing attempts are likely to continue in response to political and social conditions in the U.S.
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