Surge of Drug Smugglers and Illegal Immigrants Cross the US-Canada Border

Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.) and other House Republicans speak at a conference launching the Northern Border Security Caucus at the House Triangle in Washington on Feb. 28, 2023. Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times

WASHINGTON—Republican legislators announced on Feb. 28 at the House Triangle a new caucus to raise awareness about the spike of illegal immigrants and drug smugglers coming across the U.S.-Canada border.

Northern border apprehensions have surged by 1,498 percent since President Joe Biden took office, the lawmakers said. Except for marijuana, drug smuggling along the border between the United States and Canada has increased by 596 percent since FY 2021. The number of CBP agents, instead, has remained the same since FY 2009.