The RCMP apprehended a male Cuban national after he attempted to enter Canada illegally by running across the Fort Erie International Railway Bridge.
In a statement released Thursday, the RCMP reported that officers from the Niagara-on-the-Lake Border Integrity Unit, in collaboration with the Ontario Provincial Police were able to arrest the individual.
“The RCMP continues to see positive operational impact from new investments in law enforcement between ports of entry and collaborative efforts with CN Police, OPP, and CBSA in maintaining the security and integrity of Canadian borders,” said Sgt. Lepa Jankovic of the Border Integrity Unit, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Central Region RCMP.
Authorities stated that the individual, whose identity was not disclosed, was transported to the CBSA office at the Peace Bridge port of entry, where he was deemed ineligible to enter Canada.
He was subsequently deported to the United States on the same day.
Michael Prosia, Acting Regional Director General for the Southern Ontario Region of the Canada Border Services Agency, said, “The CBSA and RCMP work in close partnership to maintain the security of our borders, this is yet another example of how our collaboration contributes to protecting the integrity of our border and the safety of our communities.”
The RCMP emphasized that they maintain a continuous 24/7 presence at the railway bridge where the man was caught.
Prior to this incident, officers have intercepted and arrested several individuals attempting to cross into Canada illegally at the same location.
Officials confirmed that all those apprehended were also sent back to the U.S.
This comes at a time when border officials, and the Canadian government are working to regain trust with the American administration that has tied certain tariff measures to the border security situation on the US’ northern border with Canada.
Canada’s federal government has since appointed a federal border czar and invested an additional $1.3 billion into border security measures.
Two weeks before the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, Ontario Premier Doug Ford also announced “Operation Deterrence”, a project by the Ontario Provincial Police to crackdown on illegal border activity in the province.
Members of the OPP are joining RCMP forces in actively patrolling the border areas by land, water, and air to disrupt cross-border criminal activity.
