Texas, United States

Winner of the 2024 United States presidential election Donald Trump’s pick for border czar, Tom Homan, has raised concerns over criminals and terrorists making their way to the US through the ill-guarded US-Canada border, warning that Ottawa must be prepared for “tough conversations” in coming months. This comes after India over the past months has raised similar concerns over Canada providing refuge to criminals and Khalistani terrorists wanted in India.

Advertisment

"The problem with the northern border is a huge national security issue," said Homan in an interview with 7News. Homan added that fixing the crisis at the northern border will be his top priority.

Also read: Canada scraps popular student visa programme, here’s how it will affect Indians

"There has to be an understanding from Canada that they can't be a gateway to terrorists coming into the United States," Homan warned.

Advertisment

The Trump loyalist also said that he would curb the menace of human smuggling activities originating in Canada. The crime has reportedly now turned into a lucrative business in Canada, with organised criminal groups charging between $1,500 and $6,000 per person for trips that often begin in Toronto or Montreal and end in American states like Vermont and New York.

Also read: Canadian journalist slams Ottawa`s approach to Khalistan issue, calls ‘national disgrace’

According to data from the US Border Patrol, more than 19,000 individuals from 97 nations were detained spanning this border area in 12 months ending October 2, a number more than those arrested in the previous 17 years combined.

Advertisment

India has also raised the issue of security threats emanating from Canada, given the country’s broken immigration system that fails to vet people with criminal records. With Canada refusing to extradite criminals demanded by India, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has faced accusations of turning his country into a safe haven for extremists. 

In October, India revealed that its 26 extradition requests were pending with Canadian authorities, including those against members of the infamous Lawrence Bishnoi gang.

(With inputs from agencies)