Asylum Seekers Intercepted in Quebec After Crossing from U.S. in Back of Truck
Asylum seekers intercepted in Quebec late Sunday night are drawing renewed attention to Canada’s border policies and immigration laws.Authorities found a total of 44 individuals, including children, in the back of a truck near Haskell Road in Stanstead, Quebec. They also arrested three alleged smugglers, who are now facing criminal charges.
Provincial officers and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) escorted the group to a local Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office. From there, most were taken to the Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle regional processing centre for eligibility screening under Canada’s refugee protection program.
Some Sent Back to U.S. Under Safe Third Country Agreement
Miguel Bégin, CBSA’s East Border District Director, confirmed that authorities promptly returned several asylum seekers to the United States. They failed to meet the exemption requirements of the Safe Third Country Agreement. It’s a treaty that prevents most asylum claims at official land crossings from the U.S. to Canada.
“It is highly likely that several more will be returned in the coming hours,” Bégin said.
Authorities have not released the migrants’ countries of origin.
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Human Smuggling Charges Filed
Authorities charged the three suspected smugglers under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and the Customs Act for facilitating unauthorized entry into Canada. They appeared in court via video conference and remain in custody until their next hearing on August 6.
Quebec Border Sees Surge in Asylum Claims
The Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle crossing is experiencing a sharp rise in activity. In July 2025, CBSA recorded 3,089 asylum claims at that location—up from just 613 in July 2024. The increase comes as U.S. President Donald Trump intensifies rhetoric on illegal crossings and ramps up pressure on Canada through trade tariffs and security concerns.
In response, Canada has committed $1.3 billion to border improvements, including expanded aerial surveillance and thousands of new law enforcement roles.
Calls to Suspend the Treaty
Frantz André, spokesperson for the Comité d’action des personnes sans statut, urged Prime Minister Mark Carney to pull out of the Safe Third Country Agreement. He pointed to the fear and desperation among migrants fleeing U.S. immigration crackdowns.
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André warned, “This likely won’t be the last time we see large groups of asylum seekers intercepted in Quebec.” He also suggested creating a special immigration program for people from high-risk nations like Haiti, similar to the support Canada extended to Ukrainian refugees.
The Broader Picture
While asylum seekers intercepted in Quebec highlight immediate border security concerns, advocates are urging the government to consider the broader humanitarian context. As the global migration crisis deepens, Canada’s balance between enforcement and compassion will remain under close scrutiny.
Do you believe Canada should revise or suspend the Safe Third Country Agreement in response to rising asylum claims? Share your thoughts below.
More…
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/asylum-seekers-illegal-crossing-quebec-1.7600994
- https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6855831
- https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2183505/gaza-hunger-deaths-aid-access
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