Some Haitian migrants arrested in southern Quebec deported to U.S. after asylum review

Some of the Haitian migrants arrested by RCMP officers in southern Quebec on Christmas Day have been deported to the United States after their asylum claims were reviewed by federal authorities.

The Canada Border Services Agency says all 19 individuals had their claims assessed, and those found to be inadmissible under Canadian law were returned to the U.S. The agency did not specify how many people were deported following the review.

Federal officials point to the Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the United States, which requires asylum seekers to make a refugee claim in the first country considered safe where they arrive. Under the agreement, most migrants who enter the U.S. cannot cross into Canada to seek asylum unless they qualify for specific exemptions.

RCMP officers arrested the group on the evening of Dec. 25 near Havelock, Que., about five kilometres from the New York State border. Police said the group included men, women, and children ranging in age from one to 60.

Irregular border crossings in Quebec have declined compared with previous years, but federal agencies continue to monitor the situation closely, particularly during winter months when crossings can pose serious safety risks.