A packed house at the Altona Senior Centre on March 15 underscored the level of concern among area residents regarding border security.
Organized by Portage-Lisgar MP Branden Leslie, the town hall meeting aimed to address pressing questions about illegal border crossings, the role of the RCMP and Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), and what individuals should do if they encounter a migrant on their property.
The event featured presentations by Leslie, legislative assistant Drew Ostash, and Sgt. Darcy Thiessen, operations supervisor for the Pembina Valley RCMP.
The discussion focused on clarifying the laws surrounding the Canada-U.S. border and updates on recent policy changes impacting both Canadian and American border enforcement efforts.
The meeting provided an opportunity for residents to voice their concerns, receive factual information, and better understand the complexities of border security, as officials hope to maintain both community safety and a fair approach to immigration.
The number of people walking across the border to claim asylum in Canada spiked in 2017, reaching a peak of 31,519 in 2023. However, a significant decline followed in 2024, with only 1,018 people apprehended nationwide. Manitoba saw 75 border apprehensions in 2023, increasing slightly to 85 by October 2024.
Ostash attributed much of the decline to the expansion of the Safe Third Country Agreement, which now applies across the entire land border, including waterways.
“This means if you cross the border to make an asylum claim and don’t meet one of the agreement’s exceptions, you’ll be returned to the U.S.,” he explained.
On the flip side, U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported a dramatic increase in migrants moving south, with 19,498 encounters between border posts on their northern border between October 2023 and July 2024.
Sgt. Thiessen acknowledged the concerns of residents living near the border.
“There are a lot of issues, and I totally understand,” he said. “My purpose here was to inform people about what’s going on and what the RCMP is doing to bolster security along the border.”
He emphasized that while media and social media can sometimes paint a chaotic picture, the reality is much different.
“The numbers of individuals crossing the border illegally are much lower than many might think,” he said. “We’re averaging about 12 people intercepted per month. That’s definitely surprising. I live in the area, too, and I didn’t know what to expect.”
Thiessen also stressed that despite fears of an increase in crime linked to border crossings, there have been no documented incidents of violence from migrants.
“They are genuinely trying to find a better life. Unfortunately, it’s through illegal means, and that’s not something we can support, but we also need to recognize their humanity.”
Thiessen encouraged attendees to reach out to the RCMP with their concerns, promising transparency.
“We work for the people here. If you have questions, we’ll do our best to answer them. And if I don’t have the answer, I’ll try to find it.”
Leslie explained that his office has received an increasing number of calls about border security in recent months, prompting the need for the town hall meeting.
“This issue has really ramped up, and it’s a very political debate at times. We wanted to give the RCMP an opportunity to provide an update on their work and investments in securing our border.”
One of the main concerns raised by residents was what to do if they encounter a migrant on their property. Leslie stressed the importance of handling the situation safely, both for the property owner and the migrant.
“People need to know what to do, how to go about it, and who to contact. I really appreciated the RCMP’s recommendations and willingness to answer a wide range of questions.”
Acknowledging the growing fear fueled by social media, Leslie urged residents to focus on verified information.
“We watch CNN, we see sensationalized reports, and we succumb to fear. But the reality is often different.”
Leslie also highlighted a recent shift: more individuals are now crossing into the U.S. from Canada due to economic struggles.
“Some people who initially immigrated to Canada are now heading south because they see better job opportunities. The American economy is doing better, and there are more cash jobs. It’s shocking to see the number of people illegally walking into the U.S. from Canada.”
As the town hall wrapped up, Leslie assured attendees that his office would continue engaging with law enforcement and CBSA to address concerns and push for policies that prioritize both security and economic stability.
“Some of these decisions aren’t the RCMP’s to make. That’s our job as politicians. We need to put the rights of law-abiding citizens ahead of those who break the law.”
