Canada is bracing for a wave of migrants as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term in office.

Unlike its initial reaction to Trump’s first presidency, the Liberal Party-led Canadian government is taking a more assertive approach to illegal immigration, signaling a shift in policy to address public concerns over mass migration, as reported by The Daily Caller.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), tasked with securing the U.S.-Canada border, is ramping up enforcement efforts.

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The RCMP plans to hire additional personnel, deploy more vehicles, and establish new facilities to process and detain incoming migrants. According to reports, these enhancements aim to bolster Canada’s border defenses as the Trump administration prepares to enact its sweeping deportation agenda.

Oct. 20, 2024; Feasterville, PA, USA; Former president and GOP candidate, Donald J. Trump waves local supporters at a McDonalds; Mandatory credit: Daniella Heminghaus-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

RCMP officials have been vocal about the potential for increased migration since Trump’s victory. Sgt. Charles Poirier acknowledged the likelihood of individuals fleeing anticipated deportation efforts under the new administration.

“We started planning because we knew that there were a lot of people in the United States who will fear to be deported, and if that happens, they won’t wait for the Trump administration to seize power, it’s more likely that they will attempt to cross into Canada from now in the next few weeks until he takes on power,” Poirier stated on CTV News.

Preparations are already underway, with expectations of an uptick in border crossings before Trump’s inauguration.

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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s stance on migration has evolved dramatically since Trump’s first term.

In 2017, Trudeau famously declared, “To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength.”

This welcoming tone was met with a significant increase in asylum seekers crossing the U.S.-Canada border.

Jun 17, 2019; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau greets fans at a Toronto Raptors rally at Nathan Phillips Square. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

However, changing public sentiment has prompted a recalibration of Trudeau’s immigration policies. Polls indicate growing concerns among Canadians over mass migration and its economic impact, including rising unemployment rates among youth and newcomers.

Marc Miller, Canada’s immigration minister, addressed these challenges during a recent speech in Ottawa.

“To be clear: all newcomers are valued in Canada,” Miller said.

“But we also need to recognize that this can impact communities.” Miller unveiled measures to adjust immigration levels, including reforms to international student, foreign worker, and permanent resident programs.

Canadian officials also plan to fully enforce the “safe third country” agreement, a policy requiring migrants to seek asylum in the first safe country they arrive in. Under this agreement, migrants crossing into Canada from the U.S. will be returned to the United States for processing.

As Trump’s deportation plans take shape, Canada’s tightened immigration measures highlight a dramatic policy pivot. While Trudeau’s government once championed open borders, growing public discontent and economic realities have necessitated a more pragmatic approach.

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