Following Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. 2024 election, Canadian authorities are on high alert, anticipating a potential surge of asylum-seekers across the U.S.-Canada border. Trump’s promise to implement the largest mass deportation in American history has raised concerns that many undocumented migrants may seek refuge in Canada, especially those from minority communities. During his campaign, Trump often took a hard stance on immigration, claiming that immigrants were “poisoning the blood of our country.”

“We’re on high alert. All eyes are on the border,” said Sergeant Charles Poirier, a spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), noting that the incoming administration’s policies could drive up irregular migration to Canada. Poirier added that a worst-case scenario would see hundreds crossing daily, which would stretch the RCMP’s resources thin.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland convened with ministers on Friday to prepare for possible challenges with the incoming U.S. administration. “We have a plan,” she assured, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to border security. Freeland noted that similar situations arose durig Trump’s first term, when thousands of migrants, including Haitians, crossed into Canada seeking refuge.

Canada has ramped up border security with drones, cameras, and sensors installed along the 8,891-kilometer border to monitor any potential influx. Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that Canadian immigration authorities are preparing for all outcomes, from moderate to high levels of migration, as part of a comprehensive response plan.

However, border agencies face labor shortages, raising concerns over adequate staffing. The Customs and Immigration Union estimates that Canada would need 2,000-3,000 additional officers to handle increased pressure effectively.

Canadian officials are coordinating closely with U.S. counterparts and monitoring trends in migrant voter mobilization, particularly as many minority communities have expressed concern over policy shifts. In previous elections, high voter turnout in Muslim-majority neighborhoods was attributed to issues like the Citizenship Amendment Act and the National Register of Citizens.

Quebec Premier François Legault has urged the federal government to ensure the border is sufficiently staffed to manage an influx of migrants, pledging his support to maintain secure borders if necessary.

With Trump’s inauguration in January, Canadian border services and immigration agencies remain vigilant, prepared for various scenarios as they monitor trends and policies that could impact migration flows.