Smugglers are advertising illegal Canada-U.S. border crossings on TikTok

A recent WhatsApp conversation with an individual linked to one of several TikTok accounts promoting illegal border crossing services revealed details about their operations. These accounts offer to help Indian temporary residents in Canada cross into the U.S. outside official border points.

In the conversation, the individual described the journey: “We do it every day. It will take one hour to reach the destination. From there, you need to walk 40 minutes through the jungle.” When asked about safety, the person assured, “Yes brother. It is not our first time.”

The individual did not reveal his real name but claimed to reside in Brampton, Ont. The TikTok accounts, which include one with over 360,000 followers, advertise crossings from Montreal, Brampton, or Surrey, B.C., targeting primarily Indian students living in Canada.

Irregular crossings into the U.S. from Canada have surged recently. Such crossings violate both Canadian and American laws, which mandate using official border entry points.

Some TikTok videos feature testimonials in Punjabi from supposedly satisfied customers. One testimonial shows a man with his face covered by a Canadian flag, stating, “Brother, we have come to the U.S. from Canada. We used brother Harry’s service, and it was outstanding. We crossed very easily.”

Another video features a client who claims to have crossed into New York State from Montreal on August 8. “Brother Harry made us cross safely. The route was secure. After walking for about 25 minutes, we arrived comfortably. We paid all the money later,” she says.

Radio-Canada reached out to “Harry,” one of the accounts, using a fake profile to inquire about crossing from Montreal into the U.S. Harry requested $5,000, assuring that payment could be made after the crossing.

Another account contacted by Radio-Canada provided screenshots of client conversations and detailed the crossing process. The account holder explained that an Uber driver would pick up clients in Montreal at night and drop them off near the border in southern Quebec, where they would need to cross on foot. He said he would not be present but would guide clients via phone.

He charged $1,500 per person and offered a group discount: “I can do $2,500 for two people if you’re interested,” he wrote, frequently asking when the crossing would take place.

Radio-Canada spoke with the smuggler, who identified himself as Rahul, in Punjabi. Rahul advised carrying water, wearing long sleeves, and bringing an extra pair of shoes. “It’s a jungle, brother. There will be some thorns and bushes,” he said.

Rahul required payment upfront via bank transfer but also accepted cash in Brampton or India. He explained that after crossing, clients would need to visit the U.S. border patrol office. “After paperwork, in about one hour, you will be released and can go anywhere,” he promised.

Radio-Canada observed a similar procedure this spring in Mooers Forks, New York. Indian migrants were intercepted by American police but were subsequently released and boarded a bus to New York City.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has condemned these practices. Spokesperson Steven Bansbach criticized “transnational criminal organizations” for falsely claiming that the U.S. northern border is open and exploiting it. “Smugglers and bad actors continue to spread falsehoods and show complete disregard for the safety and well-being of vulnerable migrants,” he said.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is removing Indian nationals without legal status, including through charter flights.

In the Swanton sector of southern Quebec, which borders New York and Vermont, interceptions of irregular migrants have skyrocketed. Since January, there have been 13,000 arrests for clandestine crossings from southern Quebec into the U.S., nearly 9,000 of which occurred between May and July—a 526 percent increase from 2022. Most of those intercepted are Indian or Bangladeshi individuals on student or tourist visas.

Online ads offer fraudulent Canadian visas for tens of thousands of dollars, with some posts bundling visas, airfare to Canada, and border-crossing services for $130,000.

Political scientist Shinder Purewal from Kwantlen Polytechnic University attributes the demand for such services to Canada’s easier visa processes compared to the U.S. “The U.S. visa is particularly hard to obtain,” he said. “Gangs from Punjab now operate from Canada because it’s safer.”

To attract clients, these gangs use social media to promote the false notion that many Indian residents in Canada face expulsion due to recent immigration guidelines. “Many choose to leave for the U.S., which has a huge economy,” Purewal explained.

“Indians wanting to migrate see the U.S. as their primary destination. Canada used to be the top choice, but now there’s a belief that reaching Montreal will lead to an easier transition to the U.S.,” he added. “While the U.S.-Mexico border is dangerous with heavily armed people, Canada’s open border is seen as more accessible.”