Quebec provincial police have strengthened their presence on the Canada-US border ahead of Donald Trump’s election as president, according to the province’s premier.
François Legault told reporters Tuesday in the provincial legislature that “there is already a real risk” that migrants will “rush” to the country’s and provincial borders in the coming weeks.
Citing concerns about the potential impacts of a future Trump presidency on immigration, Legault announced the day after the U.S. election that he would form a “working group” composed of several ministers to defend Quebec’s interests.
As part of the working group’s tasks, Legault assigned Public Security Minister François Bonnardel to “submit a situation report” on the situation every week.
Legault says the Forces du Quebec (SQ), the province’s police force, “will conduct visual investigations at the border.”
“They have the power to act. So, it’s important that we say that,” Legault said, adding that the SQ is in contact with the RCMP as well as New York, New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont authorities.
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This move comes amid Trump’s promise of mass deportations during the election campaign. Trump has pledged to deport millions of illegal immigrants from the United States as one of his priorities.
As a result, Quebec’s premier said he was preparing for an influx of asylum seekers. Legault is particularly concerned about more migrants at land borders and airports, saying on Tuesday that “we can’t afford to have a Roxham 2.0 route.”
Quebec Public Security is also in contact with the mayors of municipalities and cities located on the border, according to Legault.
“I’ve been told that there are citizens who are worried about the same situation happening again,” Legault said. “It is therefore very important that Quebec and Canada do not become a sieve in the coming weeks and months for illegal immigrants who may come to Canada,” he added.
Quebec is also calling on the federal government to act, with Legault urging it to “take all necessary measures to protect the border.” Ottawa said there is a plan to secure the country’s borders and control who enters the country.
Legault on Tuesday asked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to “announce the means he will put in place or are being put in place to protect our borders.”
When it comes to immigration, Legault says the province has “done its part” and simply cannot absorb more new arrivals.
– With files from Global and The Canadian Press’ Brayden Jagger-Hines and Sean Breville
&Copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
