The U.S.-Canada border, often overlooked due to its peaceful nature, faces growing security challenges as cracks in its vast expanse begin to emerge, raising concerns of threats crossing the line.
At a Glance
- DHS reports high threat environment due to migrants with terror ties.
- US-Canada border encounters increased significantly in FY 2024.
- Apprehensions of individuals with terror ties have risen at the northern border.
- The border’s length and remoteness pose security challenges.
Heightened Threat Environment
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. is facing a significant threat environment, with terrorists attempting to exploit border security by entering through migration flows. The 2025 Homeland Threat Assessment warns of ongoing attempts by individuals with terrorism connections crossing both the Mexico and Canada borders into the U.S.
In fiscal year 2024, 422 individuals on the federal Terrorist Screening Data Set were stopped at U.S. borders. Interestingly, 283 were encountered at the US-Canada border, underscoring the inadequacies in current border monitoring systems. DHS’s continuous warning about exploiting migration flows reflects the urgent need for policy adjustments and improved border measures.
Canada allowing Gazan refugees with potential terrorist ties into their country poses a national security threat to the U.S. northern border.
In a letter with colleagues, urged Sec Mayorkas to heighten precautions along the border.https://t.co/rmveJ3Q8JM
— Senator Marco Rubio (@SenMarcoRubio) July 24, 2024
Increasing Encounters and Challenges
Migrant encounters at the U.S.-Canada border increased from 170,000 in FY 2023 to over 181,000 in FY 2024. This uptick in crossing attempts has raised alarms, particularly because many encounters were with individuals on terror watchlists. In the recent fiscal year, 44 suspected terrorists were apprehended at the northern border, compared to just 8 at the southern border.
“Over the next year, we expect some individuals with terrorism ties and some criminal actors will continue their efforts to exploit migration flows and the complex border security environment to enter the United States.” – Department of Homeland Security
Many of these encounters occur at official ports of entry, with most individuals holding legal status in Canada. Nevertheless, the rising number of illegal crossings reveals vulnerabilities and underscores challenges like the border’s daunting length and severe weather conditions making it hard to patrol effectively.
Calls for Enhanced Security Measures
Federal agents, in recent months, have arrested a record number of individuals on the terrorist watchlist at the northern border. A notable arrest involved Mohammad Hasan Abdellatif Albana, a Jordanian national with known terror ties, found near Lynden, Washington, after crossing from Canada. Such incidents amplify the call for stringent security enhancements along the northern border.
“The Homeland Security Assessment provides an important overview of the dynamic and evolving threat landscape, illustrating just how varied and challenging the threats we confront are.” – Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas
Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has emphasized cross-border partnerships and strong collaboration to address the realities of these ongoing threats. Addressing these challenges requires fortified vigilance and investments in technology to enhance monitoring capabilities and respond effectively to emerging threats.
