The Quebec government is increasing its law enforcement presence along the province’s border with Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York in response to calls by President-elect Donald Trump to curb illegal crossings from Canada into the U.S. Public Security Minister François Bonnardel stated that Quebec is preparing for the incoming administration and requested additional resources from the federal government to bolster border security.
As part of this effort, Quebec is adding six investigators to a joint task force with U.S. immigration officials and has 300 regional police officers on standby to deploy to the border if needed. The focus is on the Swanton Sector, which accounted for 80% of U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions along the Canadian border in the previous fiscal year. Bonnardel emphasized the need for increased RCMP and Canada Border Services Agency efforts in this sector to demonstrate a decline in illegal crossings to the U.S.
This ramp-up in border security coincides with threats by Trump to impose tariffs on Canadian imports and pressure them to address illegal border crossings and fentanyl smuggling. In response, the Canadian government has announced a $1.3 billion plan to combat fentanyl trafficking and enhance surveillance along the U.S. border. The flow of fentanyl is not a current concern at the U.S.-Quebec border, according to Bonnardel.
U.S. officials have also taken similar measures in Vermont, with increased Border Patrol agents and the construction of surveillance towers along the border. The heightened focus on border security reflects the escalating tensions surrounding immigration and trade issues as the new administration prepares to take office.
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