Indian migrants fuel spike in illegal crossings at northern US border

Indian migrants are driving a sharp increase in illegal crossings at the U.S.-Canada border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported nearly 20,000 migrant encounters this year, marking a 95% surge compared to 2023.

Nearly 60% of these encounters involved Indian nationals, highlighting a growing trend in illegal immigration from India.

Many Indian migrants enter the U.S. through Canada, taking advantage of its lenient immigration policies, before heading south in search of higher-paying jobs and better economic opportunities.

Indian drivers, part of an informal economy, are charging between $150 and $300 to transport migrants from upstate New York to New York City.

A 20-year-old Indian driver who recently crossed illegally into the U.S., said migrants choose the northern border because of perceived safety compared to southern routes through Central America or the Mexican desert. Although crossing the border through dense forests is dangerous, it is viewed as less hazardous than other migration paths.

The number of Indian migrants crossing into the U.S. hit an all-time high in June 2024, with 3,600 crossings recorded that month.

As the surge in northern border crossings continues, it’s placing strain on local communities and border security.