Canadian officials and experts believe that the jump in illegal crossings has been fueled primarily by immigrants arriving in Canada from India on tourism or other temporary visas.

President-elect Donald Trump promised to impose a 25% tariff on all goods from Mexico and Canada on his first day in office. Imports from Mexico and Canada totaled $900 billion in 2023. Trump has proposed tariffs as a solution to government funding.

The president-elect’s opening salvo in trade and border talks with the United States’ neighbors is casting a harsh light on the North American alliance.