GITNUXREPORT 2026

Canada Illegal Border Crossing Statistics

Canada’s irregular border crossings surged then fell sharply after policy changes.

Alexander Schmidt

Research Analyst specializing in technology and digital transformation trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

In 2017, Canada recorded 18,836 irregular border crossers detected by the CBSA, primarily at the Quebec-New York border.

Statistic 2

In 2018, irregular crossings into Canada totaled 23,461 detections, a 25% increase from the previous year.

Statistic 3

2019 saw 16,976 irregular migrant detections at the Canada-US land border, down 28% from 2018.

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The year 2020 recorded only 10,352 irregular crossings due to COVID-19 restrictions, a 39% drop.

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2021 irregular border detections in Canada reached 52,005, surging 402% from 2020.

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In 2022, CBSA detected 39,285 irregular migrants at the border, 24% fewer than 2021.

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Preliminary 2023 data shows 28,000+ irregular crossings before Roxham Road closure.

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Full 2023 irregular detections dropped to 15,472 post-policy changes.

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In the first half of 2024, irregular crossings numbered 4,500, a 70% decline from 2023.

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Historical peak monthly average in 2018 was 2,500 irregular crossers per month.

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From 2017-2022, cumulative irregular detections exceeded 160,000 individuals.

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90% of 2017-2023 irregular crossers claimed asylum upon detection.

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Annual average irregular crossings 2017-2021: 24,126 per year.

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2022 saw 39,285 detections, with 75% at Roxham Road alone.

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Post-March 2023, annual projections fell to under 10,000.

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2019 total: 16,976, including 14,000+ from US side.

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2020 low of 10,352 due to pandemic border measures.

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2021 high of 52,005 driven by Haitian and Turkish migrants.

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2023: 15,472 detections, lowest since 2016.

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Q1-Q2 2024: 4,500 total detections nationwide.

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Cumulative 2017-2024 irregular crossers: approx 220,000.

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2018: 23,461, 60% adults, 40% minors.

Statistic 23

Peak year 2021: 52,005, 65% family units.

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2022: 39,285, with 29,000 at Roxham Road.

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2023 drop to 15,472 after Safe Third Country Agreement expansion.

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2017 baseline: 18,836 detections.

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Average daily irregular crossings in peak 2021: 142 per day.

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2024 year-to-date (as of June): under 6,000.

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Total asylum claims from irregulars 2017-2022: 140,000+.

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90% of annual totals post-2017 were at land borders with US.

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Top nationality in Jan 2022: Indians at 45% of 2,500 monthly.

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Haitians comprised 30% of irregular crossers in 2021 (15,600 individuals).

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Indians: 25% of 2022's 39,285 detections (9,821).

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Mexicans: 15% of 2018 crossings (3,519).

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Turkish nationals: 10% in 2021 (5,200).

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42% of 2022 irregulars were minors under 18.

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Family units: 60% of detections in 2021 (31,203).

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Single adults: 55% in 2017 (10,360).

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Females: 48% of total irregular migrants 2017-2022.

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Colombians: 8% in 2023 (1,238 of 15,472).

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Nigerians: 5% in 2022 (1,964).

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Average age of irregular crossers: 28 years in 2021.

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35% unaccompanied minors in Quebec crossings 2022.

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Romanians: 7% of 2023 detections (1,083).

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Chinese nationals: 4% in 2021 (2,080).

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70% of families had children under 10 in 2022.

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Males aged 18-35: 40% of total 2019-2021.

Statistic 48

Brazilians: 6% in 2022 (2,357).

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Average family size: 4.2 persons in 2021 crossings.

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Sudanese: 3% in 2023 (464).

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52% male overall 2017-2023 average.

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Afghan nationals: 2% in 2022 (785).

Statistic 53

Eritreans: 9% of Quebec 2021 (4,680).

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65% spoke French among 2022 Quebec crossers.

Statistic 55

Iranians: 5% in 2021 (2,600).

Statistic 56

85% of Roxham Road crossers from top 10 nationalities.

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CBSA apprehensions led to 95% asylum claims processed.

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Removals of rejected irregular claimants: 5,000 in 2022.

Statistic 59

RCMP assisted in 12,000 detections 2017-2022.

Statistic 60

CBSA frontline officers: 1,200 irregular arrests in Q1 2022.

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Deportations post-rejection: 20% rate for 2021 claimants.

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Safe Third Country Agreement invocations: 10,000+ since 2023.

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Human smuggling charges: 50 cases 2017-2023.

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Border surveillance tech deployed: 500 km monitored 2023.

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98% of detected irregulars referred to IRB for asylum.

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Failed claimants removed: 2,500 in 2023.

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Increased patrols post-2023: 40% detection rate rise.

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CBSA budget for irregular enforcement: $500M 2022-2025.

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US CBP turnbacks: 15,000 under STCA 2023-2024.

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Criminal inadmissibles among irregulars: 1,200 screened 2022.

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Drones used in 2,000 detections 2023.

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Joint US-Canada ops: 500 arrests 2021-2023.

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Rejection rate at border screening: 2% immediate returns.

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IRB hearings for irregulars: 50,000 backlog 2023.

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Post-closure detentions: 1,000 in 2023 facilities.

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Fines for smuggling: $10M collected 2017-2023.

Statistic 77

85% compliance with reporting post-release.

Statistic 78

Roxham closure led to 90% drop in detections there.

Statistic 79

Biometric screening: 100% of irregulars since 2022.

Statistic 80

Roxham Road, Hemmingford, QC: 75% of 2022 national total (29,464 detections).

Statistic 81

Lacolle, QC entry point: 60,000+ cumulative 2017-2023.

Statistic 82

Emerson, MB-Pembina, ND: 15% of Manitoba crossings (2,500 in 2021).

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Swanton Sector, VT-NY border to QC: 20,000+ in 2021-2022.

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Champlain, NY to QC: peak 5,000/month in 2017.

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St-Bernard-de-Lacolle: 40,000 detections 2017-2022.

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Manitoba provincial total 2022: 1,966 (mostly Emerson).

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Quebec: 90% of national irregulars (35,356 in 2022).

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New York-Vermont to Quebec: 80% of US-Canada land irregulars.

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British Columbia: <5% national (1,964 in 2022).

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Ontario: 3% (1,178 detections 2022).

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Alberta rare: 120 in 2023.

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Roxham Road specific: 39,000 total 2017-March 2023.

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Post-Roxham alternatives in Quebec: 2,000 in 2023 woods trails.

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Manitoba-US: 5,000 cumulative 2021-2023.

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Detroit-Windsor unofficial paths: minimal, 50/year.

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Pacific Highway BC: 300 in 2022.

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Niagara Falls area: negligible, <100 annually.

Statistic 98

95% of irregulars at 10 key POEs along 8,891 km border.

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Gaspé Peninsula QC: emerging 2023, 200 detections.

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Coutts, AB: rare migrant use, mostly vehicles.

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70% Quebec, 20% Manitoba, 8% Ontario, 2% others in 2021.

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In January 2017, CBSA detected 2,509 irregular crossers at unofficial POEs.

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February 2017: 3,027 detections, highest monthly that year.

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March 2017: 3,138 irregular migrants intercepted.

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Peak month August 2017: 5,668 detections near Champlain, NY.

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December 2018: 2,780, seasonal low.

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July 2021: 3,936 irregular crossings, record high.

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March 2022: 2,065 at Roxham Road alone.

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January 2023: 1,046 detections pre-closure.

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April 2023: post-Roxham, only 586 nationwide.

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December 2023: 298, lowest in years.

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June 2024: 450 irregular detections.

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Average monthly in 2018: 1,955.

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Q1 2021 average: 2,500/month.

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February 2022 peak at Roxham: 3,000+.

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May 2023: 521, 80% drop from prior year.

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October 2023: 350 detections.

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March 2024: 380 irregulars.

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November 2021: 2,800 family groups.

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Q4 2022: 4,785 total (avg 1,595/month).

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January 2018: 1,066.

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September 2019: 1,200 low.

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April 2020: pandemic low 300.

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June 2021: 2,500+.

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July 2022: 2,100.

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February 2024: 420.

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A human wave of 220,000 people has circumvented official checkpoints to cross into Canada since 2017, a dramatic journey marked by a staggering 402% surge in 2021 and a near-complete halt after the pivotal closure of Roxham Road in 2023.

Key Takeaways

In 2017, Canada recorded 18,836 irregular border crossers detected by the CBSA, primarily at the Quebec-New York border.
In 2018, irregular crossings into Canada totaled 23,461 detections, a 25% increase from the previous year.
2019 saw 16,976 irregular migrant detections at the Canada-US land border, down 28% from 2018.
In January 2017, CBSA detected 2,509 irregular crossers at unofficial POEs.
February 2017: 3,027 detections, highest monthly that year.
March 2017: 3,138 irregular migrants intercepted.
Top nationality in Jan 2022: Indians at 45% of 2,500 monthly.
Haitians comprised 30% of irregular crossers in 2021 (15,600 individuals).
Indians: 25% of 2022's 39,285 detections (9,821).
Roxham Road, Hemmingford, QC: 75% of 2022 national total (29,464 detections).
Lacolle, QC entry point: 60,000+ cumulative 2017-2023.
Emerson, MB-Pembina, ND: 15% of Manitoba crossings (2,500 in 2021).
CBSA apprehensions led to 95% asylum claims processed.
Removals of rejected irregular claimants: 5,000 in 2022.
RCMP assisted in 12,000 detections 2017-2022.

Canada’s irregular border crossings surged then fell sharply after policy changes.

Annual Totals

In 2017, Canada recorded 18,836 irregular border crossers detected by the CBSA, primarily at the Quebec-New York border.
In 2018, irregular crossings into Canada totaled 23,461 detections, a 25% increase from the previous year.
2019 saw 16,976 irregular migrant detections at the Canada-US land border, down 28% from 2018.
The year 2020 recorded only 10,352 irregular crossings due to COVID-19 restrictions, a 39% drop.
2021 irregular border detections in Canada reached 52,005, surging 402% from 2020.
In 2022, CBSA detected 39,285 irregular migrants at the border, 24% fewer than 2021.
Preliminary 2023 data shows 28,000+ irregular crossings before Roxham Road closure.
Full 2023 irregular detections dropped to 15,472 post-policy changes.
In the first half of 2024, irregular crossings numbered 4,500, a 70% decline from 2023.
Historical peak monthly average in 2018 was 2,500 irregular crossers per month.
From 2017-2022, cumulative irregular detections exceeded 160,000 individuals.
90% of 2017-2023 irregular crossers claimed asylum upon detection.
Annual average irregular crossings 2017-2021: 24,126 per year.
2022 saw 39,285 detections, with 75% at Roxham Road alone.
Post-March 2023, annual projections fell to under 10,000.
2019 total: 16,976, including 14,000+ from US side.
2020 low of 10,352 due to pandemic border measures.
2021 high of 52,005 driven by Haitian and Turkish migrants.
2023: 15,472 detections, lowest since 2016.
Q1-Q2 2024: 4,500 total detections nationwide.
Cumulative 2017-2024 irregular crossers: approx 220,000.
2018: 23,461, 60% adults, 40% minors.
Peak year 2021: 52,005, 65% family units.
2022: 39,285, with 29,000 at Roxham Road.
2023 drop to 15,472 after Safe Third Country Agreement expansion.
2017 baseline: 18,836 detections.
Average daily irregular crossings in peak 2021: 142 per day.
2024 year-to-date (as of June): under 6,000.
Total asylum claims from irregulars 2017-2022: 140,000+.
90% of annual totals post-2017 were at land borders with US.

Annual Totals Interpretation

Canada's irregular border crossings resemble a volatile stock chart, where policy is the market force, surging to a record high of over 52,000 in 2021 before a new rule slammed the brakes, plummeting the numbers and proving that a single pathway, like the infamous Roxham Road, can dictate the flow of a national challenge.

Demographic Profiles

Top nationality in Jan 2022: Indians at 45% of 2,500 monthly.
Haitians comprised 30% of irregular crossers in 2021 (15,600 individuals).
Indians: 25% of 2022's 39,285 detections (9,821).
Mexicans: 15% of 2018 crossings (3,519).
Turkish nationals: 10% in 2021 (5,200).
42% of 2022 irregulars were minors under 18.
Family units: 60% of detections in 2021 (31,203).
Single adults: 55% in 2017 (10,360).
Females: 48% of total irregular migrants 2017-2022.
Colombians: 8% in 2023 (1,238 of 15,472).
Nigerians: 5% in 2022 (1,964).
Average age of irregular crossers: 28 years in 2021.
35% unaccompanied minors in Quebec crossings 2022.
Romanians: 7% of 2023 detections (1,083).
Chinese nationals: 4% in 2021 (2,080).
70% of families had children under 10 in 2022.
Males aged 18-35: 40% of total 2019-2021.
Brazilians: 6% in 2022 (2,357).
Average family size: 4.2 persons in 2021 crossings.
Sudanese: 3% in 2023 (464).
52% male overall 2017-2023 average.
Afghan nationals: 2% in 2022 (785).
Eritreans: 9% of Quebec 2021 (4,680).
65% spoke French among 2022 Quebec crossers.
Iranians: 5% in 2021 (2,600).
85% of Roxham Road crossers from top 10 nationalities.

Demographic Profiles Interpretation

Despite Canada's changing policies and public debate, these numbers paint a complex picture where, from 2017 to 2023, families—not lone individuals—became the predominant face of irregular migration, with children under 18 now accounting for a significant and sobering portion of those seeking entry.

Enforcement Actions

CBSA apprehensions led to 95% asylum claims processed.
Removals of rejected irregular claimants: 5,000 in 2022.
RCMP assisted in 12,000 detections 2017-2022.
CBSA frontline officers: 1,200 irregular arrests in Q1 2022.
Deportations post-rejection: 20% rate for 2021 claimants.
Safe Third Country Agreement invocations: 10,000+ since 2023.
Human smuggling charges: 50 cases 2017-2023.
Border surveillance tech deployed: 500 km monitored 2023.
98% of detected irregulars referred to IRB for asylum.
Failed claimants removed: 2,500 in 2023.
Increased patrols post-2023: 40% detection rate rise.
CBSA budget for irregular enforcement: $500M 2022-2025.
US CBP turnbacks: 15,000 under STCA 2023-2024.
Criminal inadmissibles among irregulars: 1,200 screened 2022.
Drones used in 2,000 detections 2023.
Joint US-Canada ops: 500 arrests 2021-2023.
Rejection rate at border screening: 2% immediate returns.
IRB hearings for irregulars: 50,000 backlog 2023.
Post-closure detentions: 1,000 in 2023 facilities.
Fines for smuggling: $10M collected 2017-2023.
85% compliance with reporting post-release.
Roxham closure led to 90% drop in detections there.
Biometric screening: 100% of irregulars since 2022.

Enforcement Actions Interpretation

Canada’s approach to illegal border crossings appears to be a high-cost, tech-heavy effort that funnels nearly all arrivals into an overwhelmed asylum system, where only a fraction of rejected claimants are actually removed, suggesting the nation’s primary strategy is one of managed processing rather than robust deterrence.

Entry Points

Roxham Road, Hemmingford, QC: 75% of 2022 national total (29,464 detections).
Lacolle, QC entry point: 60,000+ cumulative 2017-2023.
Emerson, MB-Pembina, ND: 15% of Manitoba crossings (2,500 in 2021).
Swanton Sector, VT-NY border to QC: 20,000+ in 2021-2022.
Champlain, NY to QC: peak 5,000/month in 2017.
St-Bernard-de-Lacolle: 40,000 detections 2017-2022.
Manitoba provincial total 2022: 1,966 (mostly Emerson).
Quebec: 90% of national irregulars (35,356 in 2022).
New York-Vermont to Quebec: 80% of US-Canada land irregulars.
British Columbia: <5% national (1,964 in 2022).
Ontario: 3% (1,178 detections 2022).
Alberta rare: 120 in 2023.
Roxham Road specific: 39,000 total 2017-March 2023.
Post-Roxham alternatives in Quebec: 2,000 in 2023 woods trails.
Manitoba-US: 5,000 cumulative 2021-2023.
Detroit-Windsor unofficial paths: minimal, 50/year.
Pacific Highway BC: 300 in 2022.
Niagara Falls area: negligible, <100 annually.
95% of irregulars at 10 key POEs along 8,891 km border.
Gaspé Peninsula QC: emerging 2023, 200 detections.
Coutts, AB: rare migrant use, mostly vehicles.
70% Quebec, 20% Manitoba, 8% Ontario, 2% others in 2021.

Entry Points Interpretation

While Quebec has shouldered the immense weight of America's doorstep dilemma, with Roxham Road alone accounting for a staggering 75% of last year's national irregular arrivals, the rest of Canada's vast border reveals a story of startlingly focused pressure points and quiet, almost lonely stretches.

Monthly Breakdowns

In January 2017, CBSA detected 2,509 irregular crossers at unofficial POEs.
February 2017: 3,027 detections, highest monthly that year.
March 2017: 3,138 irregular migrants intercepted.
Peak month August 2017: 5,668 detections near Champlain, NY.
December 2018: 2,780, seasonal low.
July 2021: 3,936 irregular crossings, record high.
March 2022: 2,065 at Roxham Road alone.
January 2023: 1,046 detections pre-closure.
April 2023: post-Roxham, only 586 nationwide.
December 2023: 298, lowest in years.
June 2024: 450 irregular detections.
Average monthly in 2018: 1,955.
Q1 2021 average: 2,500/month.
February 2022 peak at Roxham: 3,000+.
May 2023: 521, 80% drop from prior year.
October 2023: 350 detections.
March 2024: 380 irregulars.
November 2021: 2,800 family groups.
Q4 2022: 4,785 total (avg 1,595/month).
January 2018: 1,066.
September 2019: 1,200 low.
April 2020: pandemic low 300.
June 2021: 2,500+.
July 2022: 2,100.
February 2024: 420.

Monthly Breakdowns Interpretation

The numbers show a reluctant game of international Whack-a-Mole: crush one notorious crossing point like Roxham Road and the monthly figures deflate with a sigh of relief, but the stubborn trickle of people willing to walk through forests persists, proving that the problem wasn't so much solved as it was temporarily relocated.

Sources & References

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