Surrey BC Mayor ‘Appalled’ as Extortion Suspects Seek Asylum to Avoid Deportation

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke speaks during a news conference at Surrey Police headquarters, in Surrey, B.C., on Nov. 29, 2024. The Canadian Press/Darryl Dyck

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke says that suspects in a rash of extortion cases are abusing Canada’s immigration system in claiming refugee status to avoid deportation.

“I am appalled to learn that suspects identified by B.C.’s Extortion Task Force are claiming refugee status to evade deportation,” Locke posted on X on Dec. 11. “Law-abiding Canadians and foreign nationals in our city deserve better than to see our legal and immigration systems abused by criminals to extend their stay in Canada.”