U.S. border agents see 24-year high in arrests between Canada and Maine in April

Canada is looking to strengthen its borders against drugs and crime, which could impact some towns in New Brunswick.

As Canada continues to make efforts towards strengthening its southern border, U.S. officials are seeing a high number of arrests along one section of the border.

In April, U.S. border officials along Canada and Maine made 133 arrests. American officials say it is the highest monthly arrest number in 24 years.

Of the 133 arrests, it is not clear how many of those were along the borders of Quebec and New Brunswick. It is also not clear what the arrests were for.

New Brunswick RCMP officers also saw an uptick in border-related issues in April, intercepting eight asylum seekers.

CTV Atlantic did reach out to the New Brunswick RCMP for more information about these asylum seekers and to get an overall update on how things along the border have been going since increased measures – including helicopter patrols – were introduced earlier this year but did not hear back.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree unveiled new legislation Tuesday that aims to strengthen Canada’s border against organized crime.

Bill C-2, otherwise known as the Strong Borders Act, has three main focuses: fighting organized crime and fentanyl, securing the border and offering more tools to combat financial crime.

“There are a number of elements in the bill that have been irritants for the U.S.,” says Anandasangaree. “We are addressing some of those issues, but it’s not exclusively about the United States. It’s also about ensuring that our immigration system, for example, the integrity of our immigration system is strengthened, and the processes are in place so that Canada can be a stronger country with strong borders and strong provisions.”

Before the legislation is put into law, it will still require changes across several departments, including Public Safety and the Canada Border Services Agency.