Public safety remains a core priority in Canada, especially when it comes to protecting communities from violence, organized crime, and fraud. In British Columbia, the Canada Border Services Agency has taken significant steps to reinforce safety by actively supporting a coordinated task force aimed at preventing extortion and criminal threats that were impacting local businesses. These recent CBSA immigration investigations highlight Canada’s firm and structured approach to law enforcement and immigration integrity.

Why These Recent Actions Matter

British Columbia has seen a rise in extortion incidents, particularly affecting small and community-based businesses in the Lower Mainland. To respond quickly and effectively, a specialized BC Extortion Task Force was formed. The CBSA plays a central role in this initiative by identifying foreign nationals who may have violated immigration laws and by supporting law enforcement agencies with intelligence, field operations, and removals when required.

This coordinated approach protects local communities, supports honest business owners, and ensures that Canada remains a secure and fair environment for residents and newcomers.

How the CBSA Is Contributing

The CBSA has opened immigration investigations into seventy-eight foreign nationals who may be inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. These investigations involve reviewing status, document integrity, and any links to criminal networks. As part of the outcomes so far, three individuals have been removed from Canada following these findings.

The BC Extortion Task Force includes forty trained officers and professionals from:

• Canada Border Services Agency
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police
• Local police services including Surrey Police Service and Abbotsford Police
• Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit
• Metro Vancouver Transit Police

Working together, these agencies share intelligence, conduct joint field actions, and coordinate removals when legal grounds exist.

This shared responsibility ensures that the immigration system remains fair and structured while protecting the safety and stability of Canadian communities.

CBSA Immigration Investigations: A Focus on Protection and Fairness

The role of CBSA immigration investigations is not to limit genuine newcomers or temporary residents. Instead, the focus is on individuals who:

• Use fraudulent documents
• Engage in criminal activity or organized crime
• Threatens public safety
• Misuse of immigration pathways

By identifying and removing individuals who violate federal law, the CBSA strengthens the integrity of the immigration system. This supports the millions of lawful residents, workers, visitors, and students who come to Canada with good intentions and contribute to the country’s growth.

Quick Overview of CBSA Enforcement Efforts

Key Action	Details
Immigration investigations opened	78 cases
Individuals removed from Canada	3 individuals
Purpose	Protect communities and uphold immigration rules
Partner agencies involved	RCMP and multiple police services

A Strong and Community-Focused Approach to Public Safety

Canada continues to invest in programs that reinforce safety at the border and within communities. This includes expanding intelligence operations, improving processing systems, and increasing cooperation between federal and provincial authorities. These actions reflect Canada’s long-standing values of fairness, lawful entry, and community protection.

CBSA Immigration Investigations Support a Safe and Trusted System

The latest CBSA immigration investigations in British Columbia are a clear example of how Canada continues to safeguard public safety and maintain trust in the immigration system. By addressing criminal activity and supporting coordinated enforcement, Canada strengthens its communities and protects the opportunities available to those who choose to live, work, and contribute here.