Additional barriers go up on border between B.C. and Washington state

Illegal migrants crossing into the country via Surrey provoked a swift response from the U.S. - more barriers between B.C. and Washington state.

Hundreds of large rocks line the shoulder of Avenue Zero in South Surrey to signify the border between Canada and the U.S.

The boulders also act as a preventive measure to keep illegal migrants from crossing.

On Monday, a group of five Romanian nationals was spotted crossing the border into British Columbia near Blaine, Wash.

Video of the crossing was posted online by a bystander who witnessed the group using sheets of wood to create a bridge over the steep ditch.

RCMP say the group has since been arrested, and one of the people who crossed had an outstanding warrant.

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) says due to privacy laws, it can’t share details about why they were crossing into Canada.

Shortly after the illegal crossing, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol posted online that it had installed additional concrete and rock barriers nearby on 99 Street W in Blaine.

“I don’t think most Canadians look at our northern border and think of it as porous,” said Len Saunders, a U.S. immigration lawyer who works in Blaine.

Eighty-five vehicles have illegally driven across the border near Blaine since 2023, according to American border officials.

The additional barricades near Blaine are just the latest example of Canada-U.S. border blockages.

“The timing of it is ironic because this is exactly what (U.S. President Donald) Trump has been saying, you know, secure border, keep the illegals out,” said Saunders.

On Monday, the CBSA said it will no longer allow hikers to enter the country on the popular Pacific Crest Trail that crosses the international boundary between Washington state and British Columbia.

Last week, the City of Delta installed a chain link fence preventing residents from entering Point Roberts, Wash.

The fence was later spotted partially knocked down, and officials aren’t saying what happened.

“There’s been a lot of talk between Trump and (Prime Minister Justin) Trudeau with regards to making the northern border more secure, is this a sign of times about what’s to come in the future? Who knows,” Saunders said.

Trump has said he wants Canada to increase its border protection and has vowed to introduce a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian exports to the U.S.