Security concerns loom large as illegal crossings at the U.S. northern border soar under the Biden administration.
At a Glance
- Illegal crossings from Canada have surged to nearly 190,000 in fiscal 2023.
- The Swanton sector reported a record 19,000 illegal entries.
- An uptick in entries includes 422 individuals with terrorist ties.
- Legislation introduced to revamp northern border security strategies.
Surge in Northern Border Crossings
Unauthorized crossings at the U.S.-Canada northern border have surged, highlighting an escalating issue. The Swanton sector reported a dramatic rise, from 365 illegal entries in 2021 to over 19,000. Across the nation, numbers have swollen to nearly 190,000, causing an outcry over border security effectiveness. Particularly noteworthy is the large influx of Indian migrants seeking better opportunities, which form a substantial part of the northern crossings.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently tracked about 20,000 encounters at these northern points, marking a 95% increase from the prior year. Among these, approximately 60% involved Indian nationals, who reportedly pay drivers between $150 to $300 for rides to New York City. These statistics underline the challenges the Biden administration faces in managing the northern border crisis.
Legislative and Security Measures
The sharp increase in illegal entries has prompted legislative actions. U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer and Maggie Hassan, alongside Congressman Nick Langworthy, introduced the Northern Border Security Enhancement and Review Act. Their legislation mandates annual threat analyses and updates to the Northern Border Strategy. Senator Cramer emphasized the urgency of addressing outdated security approaches amidst these alarming developments.
Despite new measures, the challenges persist. The Biden administration’s attempts to address the situation included expanding the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement (STC) to cover the entire northern border, aiming to reduce illegal crossings. Yet, crossings continue to rise, even as harsh weather and immediate asylum denial pose threats to migrants.
Impact on National Security
The surge in illegal crossings poses significant security threats. Security officials express concerns over the entry of 422 individuals with known terrorist affiliations into the country. This number nearly doubles those apprehended at the southern border, raising alarms over the effectiveness of existing security protocols. The influx has also aggravated issues related to drug trafficking, with increases in fentanyl smuggling.
Calls for updated security measures are mounting, as the last Northern Border Threat Analysis occurred in 2017. Homeland Security must provide Congress with classified updates within 30 days post-analysis, pursuant to newly mandated legislative guidelines. As border security concerns grow nationwide, the implementation of these measures will be pivotal in protecting U.S. territories from external threats.
Sources:
- Indian migrants drive surge in northern U.S. border crossings
- Cramer, Hassan Introduce Legislation to Strengthen, Update Northern Border Security Measures
- Northern Border Migration Surges, as DHS Struggles to Keep Up