The Decibel
What’s going on with the detentions at the Canada-U.S. border?
May 6, 2025
Sara Mojtehedzadeh, an investigative reporter with The Globe, delves into the recent surge in detentions at the Canada-U.S. border. She discusses harrowing stories of families, including a Guatemalan mother facing dire choices. The conversation highlights the implications of Trump’s immigration policies and their impact on asylum seekers. Mojtehedzadeh also examines the Safe Third Country Agreement, emphasizing the complex dynamics for those seeking refuge and the urgent need for legal representation amid shifting political landscapes.
25:04
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Quick takeaways
- The Trump administration's new immigration policies have dramatically increased detentions at the U.S.-Canada border, impacting many families unintentionally crossing.
- Emotional and physical consequences of lengthy detentions illustrate the urgent need for reform in how immigrants and asylum seekers are treated under current policies.
Deep dives
Detention Challenges for Mixed-Status Families
A recent incident highlights the severe consequences faced by undocumented immigrants when entering the U.S. The story of an undocumented mother from Guatemala and her two U.S. citizen children illustrates the harrowing experiences endured during detention. Initially detained for nearly a week in inappropriate conditions, they had limited access to food and medical care. This situation emphasizes the emotional and physical toll on families caught in the immigration enforcement system, particularly when a wrong turn can lead to prolonged detention and potential deportation.
