- Smugglers are using TikTok to advertise smuggling schemes across the Canadian border. The New York Post reports Canadian “coyotes” target primarily Indian nationals, offering a hassle-free trip to the United States for up to $5,000.
- The Canada-United States border is seen as an easy target for smugglers due to its length and lack of guarding outside official crossing.
- The U.S. threatened tariffs on Canadian exports, but Canada promised to improve border security.
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Smugglers are using TikTok to advertise human trafficking services across the Canadian border, according to a report by the New York Post. The Canadian “coyotes” primarily target Indian nationals, offering a hassle-free trip to the United States for up to $5,000.
The TikTok posts often feature a United States flag waving over a wooded Canadian border, with Indian music in the background. The posts ask for a direct message if interested.
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The services detail a two-hour car ride and a 25-minute walk through an unguarded forest, taking five migrants at a time on a “group walk,” according to the New York Post.
How has activity at the border changed in 2025?
United States Customs and Border Protection data shows northern border encounters have dropped significantly since President Donald Trump took office. In December, CBP had nearly 12,000 encounters on the northern border. In January, encounters dropped to a little more than 5,000.
In fiscal year 2024, Indian nationals made up nearly a quarter of those apprehended crossing the northern border illegally. Data shows this is the largest single group of illegal crossings.
What role to tariffs play when it comes to immigration?
In January, Trump announced tariffs on goods coming from Canada and Mexico in response to border control and fentanyl. “We’re thinking in terms of 25% on Mexico and Canada, because they’re allowing vast numbers of people. Canada is a very bad abuser also, so vast numbers of people to come in and fentanyl to come in,” Trump said.
I just had a good call with President Trump. Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly…
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) February 3, 2025
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responded with a post on X on Feb. 3, stating that Canada is implementing a $1.3 billion border plan.
The plan includes reinforcing the border with new helicopters, technology and personnel. Trudeau said the plan also includes enhanced coordination with American partners and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl.
Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border.
Trump has since paused United States tariffs on both Mexico and Canada until at least March.
How has TikTok changed negotiations?
The TikTok scheme adds a new factor in the negotiations. In response to the New York Post investigation, the office of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., called for a federal probe.
“The Department of Justice should investigate how these apps are being utilized for nefarious activity and get cooperation from the companies that operate them,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY). https://t.co/pR9cQRXew1
— Office of Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (@RepNicole) February 15, 2025
“The Department of Justice should investigate how these apps are being utilized for nefarious activity and get cooperation from the companies that operate them,” Malliotakis said.
Both Canadian and American border authorities insist those trying to cross the border will be arrested.
