Canadian authorities are on high alert and closely monitoring the US border in anticipation of a possible increase in the number of migrants seeking asylum following Donald Trump’s victory against Kamala Harris. The expected increase in asylum seekers is driven by the new administration’s promise to carry out the largest mass deportation in U.S. history, which could push many undocumented migrants, especially those from minority communities, to seek refuge in neighboring Canada. During his campaign, Trump often claimed that immigrants were “poison the blood of our country“.

“We are on alert. All eyes are on the border to see what will happen… because we know that Trump’s position on immigration could lead to an increase in illegal immigration and irregular to Canada,” said the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. spokesperson Sergeant Charles Poirier told AFP.

“The worst case scenario would be that people are crossing in large numbers all over the country. Let’s say 100 people a day are coming through the border, then it’s going to be difficult because our agents will have to travel great distances to arrest everyone,” he added in a conversation with Reuters.

On Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland met with a group of ministers tasked with resolving thorny issues that could arise between Canada and the new Trump administration.

She sought to reassure that Canada was prepared for a possible increase in migrant arrivals.

“We have a plan,” she said after the meeting, without giving details. “Canadians need to know…that our borders are safe and secure and that we control them.”

Google searches on immigration soar

During Trump’s first term, from 2017 to 2021, tens of thousands of migrants, including Haitians deprived of U.S. protection, fled to Canada.

Google searches from the United States regarding immigration to Canada increased tenfold after the election, with queries about immigration and resettlement services. However, entering Canada between border checkpoints is illegal and perilous, especially in winter.

Rule changes in 2023 have made it more difficult for American asylum seekers to succeed in Canada. Poirier warned that if thousands of people arrived at the same time, it could become unmanageable. Police are prepared to deploy additional resources, including cameras, sensors and drones, along the 8,891 km border.

Canada is already facing a record number of asylum seekers – nearly 20,000 in July, with more than 250,000 applications pending. Toronto’s FCJ Refugee Center welcomes dozens of new asylum seekers every week, and its founder Loly Rico expresses concerns about the impact of winter.

Additionally, cameras, sensors and drones have already been installed along the 8,891 kilometer stretch, and information is shared in real time between Canada and the United States.

Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s office said Canada’s Immigration Department will prepare for all scenarios, putting the country’s best interests first.