Record removals in Canada amid extortion investigations
Canada removes over 22,000 inadmissible people in record year, including more than 1,000 for serious offences
Canada removed a record number of people who were found inadmissible in 2024, according to new data from the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA). The agency said it carried out 22,108 removals during the year. This is the highest number ever recorded.
Out of the total removals, 1,010 people were classified under “serious inadmissibility.” This category includes individuals linked to national security concerns, war crimes, human rights violations, organized crime, and serious criminal activity. The CBSA said these cases are treated with high priority because of the risk they may pose to public safety.
Although a full breakdown by citizenship for the year was not released, available data for the first ten months shows that 2,831 Indian nationals were removed from Canada. During the same period, a total of 18,785 people were removed overall. Among all nationalities, Mexicans formed the largest group with 3,972 removals, followed by Indians.
At present, removals are still in progress for 29,542 individuals. Of these, 6,515 are Indian nationals. This shows that a significant number of cases involving Indian citizens are still being processed.
Focus on non-compliance and refugee claims
Officials said the largest category of removals was linked to non-compliance with immigration rules, especially related to refugee claims. In 2024, 15,605 removals were connected to refugee-related issues. These include people whose refugee claims were rejected and who did not leave Canada voluntarily.
Canadian authorities have been under pressure to take action against those who violate immigration laws. Over the past two years, there has been growing public debate about border control, asylum claims, and criminal activity involving some foreign nationals. The increase in removals reflects stricter enforcement by the CBSA.
Law enforcement agencies across the country are also working closely with immigration officials to speed up the removal of people accused or convicted of crimes. Police services have publicly stated that they are coordinating with federal agencies to determine whether foreign nationals charged with serious offences can be removed from Canada as part of the legal process.
In some cases, police have clearly said they are working with the CBSA to examine immigration status alongside criminal charges. Authorities believe that removing individuals who break Canadian laws helps improve public safety and maintain trust in the immigration system.
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Extortion investigations and police action
A recent report by Global News connected some of the removals to an ongoing extortion crisis. The problem has mainly affected Indo-Canadian businesses and individuals in suburbs around Toronto and Vancouver, as well as in cities such as Edmonton and Calgary.
The British Columbia Extortion Task Force is currently investigating 296 individuals described as “persons of interest.” As a result of these investigations, 10 people have already been removed from Canada. Another 32 have been issued removal orders.
Police in different provinces have also announced arrests in cases linked to extortion and other crimes. The Surrey Police Service recently arrested five Indian nationals in connection with alleged extortion activities in Surrey, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. Police said they are working with the CBSA regarding possible immigration consequences for the accused.
In another case, Peel Regional Police said it was actively working with the Peel Crown Attorney’s Office and the CBSA to determine whether removal from Canada could be considered for foreign nationals facing charges. This statement came after the arrest of eight men accused of stealing 450 pieces of mail worth more than 400,000 Canadian dollars. The accused in that case face a total of 344 charges.
Authorities have stressed that immigration enforcement decisions are made based on Canadian law. Each case is reviewed individually. Being charged with a crime does not automatically lead to removal, but serious criminal convictions can result in a person being found inadmissible.
The CBSA said its main goal is to protect Canadians and ensure that immigration rules are respected. Officials also said that removals are carried out only after all legal appeals and procedures are completed.
The sharp rise in removals—from 17,357 the previous year to 22,108 in 2024—shows that enforcement efforts have increased. The government has promised to continue focusing on individuals who are in Canada without legal status or who are involved in criminal activities.
At the same time, Canada continues to welcome thousands of legal immigrants, students, and workers every year. Officials have said that strict enforcement against those who break the law is important to maintain fairness in the immigration system.
The record number of removals highlights the government’s effort to balance openness to newcomers with strong action against rule violations. With investigations ongoing and thousands of cases still pending, immigration enforcement is likely to remain a key issue in Canada in the coming months.
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