Canada is grappling with a significant challenge in its immigration enforcement, with nearly 30,000 individuals wanted for deportation currently unaccounted for, according to a report by Toronto Sun.
The figures, sourced from newly released documents in response to a query by Fort McMurray-Cold Lake MP Laila Goodridge, reveal that of the 457,646 individuals in Canada’s deportation pipeline, 29,730 have failed to appear for removal proceedings and cannot be located. These individuals are classified as “wanted” by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), which includes those with immigration warrants against them.
Ontario leads the country with 21,325 individuals missing, followed by Quebec with 6,109 and British Columbia with 1,390. Smaller numbers are reported in Alberta and other provinces.
Mexicans lead deportation numbers with 7,622 cases, followed by 3,955 Indians, 1,785 Americans, 1,516 Chinese nationals, 864 Pakistanis, 858 Nigerians, and 794 Colombians. Smaller groups include 26 with unknown citizenship, 83 stateless individuals, 13 Palestinians, 24 North Koreans, and 56 Russians.
The Toronto Sun report comes amid a broader conversation about Canada’s immigration policies, as the federal government explores strategies to manage record population growth and improve border enforcement. Current plans involve encouraging the voluntary departure of nearly 2.4 million people over the next two years.
The CBSA faces an uphill battle with its deportation caseload. As of October 21, 27,675 individuals were in the final stages of the removal process, while 378,320 cases are under monitoring for refugee status decisions or unenforceable removal orders. Meanwhile, 20,921 have been granted a stay on their deportation.
While voluntary departure remains the primary approach, the CBSA may issue exclusion orders against those who overstay or breach visa conditions. However, detention is described as a “measure of last resort.”
The Toronto Sun noted that while the CBSA has not yet responded to their request for comment, the scale of absconders underscores ongoing challenges in enforcing Canada’s immigration policies.
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