Three Cuban immigrants who illegally crossed into Canada from the United States were arrested and deported back to the latter country, Canadian authorities reported this Thursday.
On April 13th, the three foreign nationals were detected crossing the border via the railway bridge in Fort Erie, Ontario, while a vehicle awaited them on the Canadian side, specified the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in a statement published on their official website.
One of the migrants was immediately apprehended while another fled on foot, but was arrested later.
The Police indicated that the third migrant managed to get into the vehicle that was waiting for him, which, while escaping, almost ran over several members of the RCMP Border Integrity Team who arrived at the scene.
According to the press release, the migrant who managed to escape and the vehicle's driver, the man's wife, surrendered to the police on April 23.
The Cuban, identified as Alexander Cárdenas, was transferred to the Peace Bridge entry port in Fort Erie and, after being assessed by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), was returned to the United States for not meeting the entry requirements for Canada.
His wife, Yenny Justo, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested and is facing charges of dangerous operation of a means of transportation, an offense outlined in Article 320.13 of the Canadian Criminal Code; conspiracy and failure to report under the Customs Act, a charge stipulated in Art. 465(1)(c) of the same code.
Justo was detained by the authorities to appear at a bail hearing in the St. Catharines court. The statement did not specify the nationality of the woman, although it is presumed she is also Cuban.
The Fort Erie railway bridge, spanning the Niagara River, connects the Canadian city of Fort Erie with Buffalo in the U.S. state of New York. In this area, close to the famous waterfalls, Cuban migrants used to regularly cross into the U.S., rather than the other way around.
However, it is feasible that the group of detained migrants attempted to enter Canada to avoid possible detention and deportation from the U.S., given the strict policies against illegal immigration implemented by the administration of President Donald Trump.
The border crossings of Cubans to the U.S. saw a drastic decline in February, with only 150 entries recorded, according to data from the Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Of the total entries, only 12 were reported at the border with Canada.
During the first 100 days of his second term, Trump ramped up his immigration offensive with the deportation of 65,682 undocumented immigrants.
The communication released this first of May by Canadian authorities emphasized that the Border Integrity Unit of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Niagara-on-the-Lake continues to patrol 24/7 at the railway bridge, by land, water, and air.
As a result, several individuals attempting to cross the border illegally in that area have been arrested. After being processed by the CBSA in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), they were deemed inadmissible to Canada and returned to the U.S.
Abeid Morgan, director of the Intelligence and Control Operations Division of the CBSA, stated that the "diligent work" of the agency's internal control team, in "strong collaboration" with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, allowed for the identification and location of the individuals involved in this case.
Frequently Asked Questions about Deportations of Cubans from Canada
Why were the Cubans who illegally crossed into Canada deported?
The Cubans were deported because they did not meet the requirements to stay in Canada. They were caught illegally crossing the Fort Erie railway bridge and, after being arrested, they were returned to the United States by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
What charges is Yenny Justo, the driver of the vehicle, facing?
Yenny Justo, the wife of one of the Cuban migrants, faces charges for the dangerous operation of a means of transportation, conspiracy, and failure to report under the Customs Act. She was arrested and is expected to appear at a bail hearing in the St. Catharines court.
What are the current immigration policies of the United States under Donald Trump's administration?
The current immigration policies in the United States have intensified deportations and arrests of undocumented immigrants. The Trump administration has taken a tough stance against illegal immigration, regarding anyone who enters illegally as a criminal and subject to deportation.
What is the current situation of Cuban migrants in the United States?
The situation of Cuban migrants in the United States is complicated. Many face deportation and challenges in regularizing their status, especially after the revocation of humanitarian parole. Current immigration policies have created an atmosphere of uncertainty among Cubans and other undocumented migrants.
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