OTTAWA, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Canadian police reported that one person died and 15 individuals were arrested while attempting to enter Canada from the United States in three separate incidents in recent weeks. This underscores border security efforts amid U.S. President Donald Trump's push for stricter controls.
At a televised press conference, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Assistant Commissioner Lisa Moreland noted that the individuals, of various nationalities, were unprepared for Canada's harsh winter conditions and that no fentanyl was discovered. Due to privacy regulations, their identities were withheld.
The press conference followed Trump's recent threat of imposing substantial tariffs on Canada and Mexico.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau secured the suspension of tariffs after discussions with Trump regarding border technology advancements, increased personnel, and collaborative initiatives targeting organized crime, fentanyl trafficking, and money laundering.
The tariff postponement temporarily averted the looming trade war that economists warned would negatively impact all economies involved.
Moreland, demonstrating thermal imaging and aerial footage, emphasized the RCMP's capability to demonstrate the technology and resources in place to maintain border security.
In the most recent incident, a U.S. citizen attempted to enter Canada from the Coutts border crossing in Montana to Alberta. When stopped for inspection, he fled and tragically took his own life with a firearm while being pursued by authorities, as Moreland disclosed.
The day before, police intercepted four adults and five minors near Coutts based on information provided by U.S. border patrol agents. Additionally, six individuals were apprehended after crossing into Manitoba on January 14.
Moreland highlighted that these individuals attempted to enter Canada amid extreme -20 to -30 Celsius (-4F to -22F) temperatures without adequate winter clothing.
Describing the six detained in Manitoba, Moreland remarked, They did not have hats, gloves, mittens, or anything that we would usually expect in a Canadian winter.
Tragically, in January 2022, a family of four from India perished in a snowstorm near the Manitoba-U.S. border.