New York: The newly elected U.S. administration has expressed concerns over Canada becoming a potential gateway for terrorism into the United States. Tom Homan, chosen by President-elect Donald Trump as the incoming ‘border czar,’ has raised the alarm about the perceived security risks along Canada’s borders, suggesting that terrorists may exploit these vulnerabilities to enter U.S. territory. Homan’s remarks point to mounting apprehension over Canada’s ties with radical groups, including Khalistani extremists and Pakistan-based terror organizations, leading some officials to view the nation as a growing safe haven for terrorists.
In a recent incident, a Pakistani national allegedly planning an attack on Jewish communities in New York was apprehended in Quebec, Canada, in September 2023. Referring to this case, Homan remarked that Canada “cannot be a gateway for terrorists” into the U.S., urging immediate action on securing its borders.
Previously serving as the Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homan highlighted the risks posed by “special interest aliens” — individuals from terrorism-linked nations — using Canada as an entry point into the U.S. The U.S. Border Patrol has reported a steep rise in unauthorized border crossings along the northern border, especially in the Swanton Sector, which covers parts of Vermont and New York. Over the past year, the sector recorded more than 19,000 apprehensions of people from 97 countries, surpassing totals from the previous 17 years combined.
Organized crime groups are reportedly facilitating this surge in human smuggling, with fees between USD 1,500 and USD 6,000 per person for illegal entry. Crossings often occur in isolated areas — rivers, farmland, and forests — where some tragically end in fatalities, such as an Indian family who froze to death attempting to cross the border.
As Trump’s administration prepares for the January 20, 2025 inauguration, bolstering border security is a top priority. Homan has stated that addressing northern border security weaknesses, including escalating human smuggling and irregular crossings from Canada, will be high on the agenda, with “tough conversations” anticipated between Washington and Ottawa. According to Homan, Canada’s fewer border agents compared to the U.S. contribute to the vulnerability, making it an appealing route for illegal immigration, particularly from high-risk regions.
In an interview with Watertown’s 7News, Homan reiterated his dedication to U.S. national security, indicating that tighter northern border protocols align with Trump’s broader national security goals.
The security risks posed by Canadian-based radicals are also a point of concern for India, which has frequently highlighted the threat posed by Khalistani groups to its own security. India’s government has criticized Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for allegedly failing to counter these groups effectively and has accused him of allowing Khalistani radicals to thrive as part of his domestic political strategy. According to Indian authorities, Canada has also failed to extradite individuals wanted for terrorism in India.
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Human Smuggling Crisis Intensifies Along Canada-U.S. Border
The growing human smuggling crisis at the Canada-U.S. border has seen organized crime networks in Canada charging between USD 1,500 and USD 6,000 for smuggling services. The perilous journeys through remote areas have led to deadly incidents, including the freezing deaths of an Indian family and the drowning of two families — one Indian and one Romanian — in the St. Lawrence River in March 2023.
Additionally, Canada has become the primary source country for irregular crossings from India into the U.S., according to CBC News. In 2023 alone, U.S. Customs and Border Protection apprehended or turned away a record 96,917 Indian nationals attempting to cross into the U.S. from Canada.
