Table of Contents
In recent months, US officials have raised alarms about the security of the northern border with Canada, claiming that it has become a potential entry point for dangerous individuals. As the focus of border security has shifted predominantly to the southern border, concerns about the largely unmonitored northern border have intensified.
Representative Mike Kelly, co-chair of the Northern Border Security Caucus, emphasized that while the number of illegal crossings may not be as high as those at the southern border, the risks associated with the northern border are significant.
Shifting focus and rising risks
Since the election of President Trump, illegal entries from Canada have seen a notable decline. However, recent data indicates that this trend has stalled, with Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) reallocating resources to the southern border. This shift has inadvertently opened the door for potential threats to enter through the northern border.
According to CBP statistics, illegal crossings from Canada dropped dramatically from 12,085 in November to just 4,098 in February, marking a 66% decrease. This decline is stark when compared to the southern border, which has experienced a staggering drop of over 90% in illegal crossings during the same period.
The vast and vulnerable northern border
The northern border, stretching over 5,500 miles, is the largest land border in the world, characterized by vast wilderness and numerous unguarded areas. Unlike the southern border, which receives constant media attention and government resources, the northern border has often been overlooked.
However, recent developments, including reports of Canadian coyotes promoting illegal crossings on social media platforms like TikTok, have brought this issue to the forefront. Residents living near the border have reported witnessing individuals crossing into the US with relative ease, highlighting the vulnerabilities of this expansive and sparsely monitored region.
Challenges faced by border patrols
On the Canadian side, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are also grappling with limited resources to effectively patrol the extensive border area. The unpredictable climate and varied terrain present significant challenges for law enforcement on both sides. In response to the growing concerns, the RCMP has deployed additional resources, including officers, drones, and helicopters, to enhance their surveillance capabilities. Despite these efforts, the sheer size of the border makes it difficult to monitor effectively, raising questions about the overall security of the region.
As discussions surrounding border security continue, it is crucial for both the US and Canadian authorities to collaborate and address the vulnerabilities that exist at the northern border. With the potential for dangerous individuals to exploit these gaps, proactive measures must be taken to ensure the safety and security of both nations.
