Smugglers Promote Illegal Border Crossings from Canada to the U.S. on Social Media
Reports are emerging of smugglers actively advertising illegal border crossings from Canada into the United States via social media platforms like TikTok. Many of these posts target Indian migrants, particularly students and temporary residents in Canada, offering them an unauthorized route to the U.S.
Since January 2024, U.S. authorities have seen a significant rise in illegal crossings, with over 13,000 people arrested for attempting to cross into the U.S. through non-official entry points, particularly along the border between Quebec and New York. Nearly 9,000 of these arrests took place between May and July.
The smugglers promise their clients safe passage across the border, with services often involving night trips near Quebec’s forested areas, where migrants are instructed to walk for up to 40 minutes on foot. Some charge up to $5,000 per person, offering discounts for groups. Many testimonials from migrants, often posted in Punjabi, claim the journey is safe and fast.
The rise in these illegal crossings has alarmed authorities in both Canada and the U.S. American officials attribute the increase to criminal networks misleading migrants about the ease of entering the U.S. through Canada. They warn of the potential dangers and legal consequences of these clandestine operations, reiterating that anyone crossing the border outside designated points faces deportation and other legal repercussions.
Social media platforms, particularly TikTok, have come under scrutiny for allowing such content to proliferate. While the platforms regularly remove illegal content, smugglers continue to adapt, posting new advertisements targeting vulnerable migrants.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection has called for stricter measures and more public awareness campaigns to deter migrants from falling prey to these smugglers.