A fugitive with ties to terrorism has been deported from New York back to Canada, where he is wanted on assault charges.
The Iranian national, who is also a permanent resident of Canada, was deported on Dec. 21. The fugitive, who was not named in a https://www.ice.gov/news/releases/ero-buffalo-uses-safe-third-country-agreement-remove-iranian-national-national", "layout_section": "in-page-link"}" data-evt="click" data-evt-typ="click">U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) release, is described as a “national security priority,” a designation often used for individuals who are believed to be involved in activities that could endanger national security.
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Both the nature of the individual’s alleged terrorism ties and details related to his Canadian assault charges were not disclosed. It is also not clear how the man obtained permanent residency in Canada despite security concerns.
While the Canadian immigration process includes extensive background checks and assessments to identify security risks, there are instances where critical information is missed or undisclosed.
The man was denied entry into the U.S. on Oct. 10 via the Rainbow Pedestrian Walkway in Niagara Falls.
Two days later he was arrested “on or around” the Whirlpool Bridge Port of Entry in Niagara Falls for illegally entering the U.S.
In November, he was served with an expedited removal order by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Buffalo. His removal to Canada was carried out under the Safe Third Country Agreement, and he was handed over to Canadian Border Services Agency authorities.
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“The Canadian resident’s return to Canada to face charges is due to the dedicated officers on both sides of the border, working in tandem, to provide public safety for our communities,” said ERO Buffalo Field Office Director Thomas Brophy, in a statement.
The Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the U.S. is part of the U.S. Canada Smart Border Action Plan and went into effect in December 2004.
Under the agreement, refugee claimants are required to request refugee protection in the first safe country they arrive in unless they qualify for an exception. The https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/corporate/mandate/policies-operational-instructions-agreements/agreements/safe-third-country-agreement.html", "layout_section": "in-page-link"}" data-evt="click" data-evt-typ="click">agreement was created as a means to “better manage access to the refugee system in each country for people crossing the Canada – U.S. land border.”
The Niagara Falls International Rainbow Bridge is one of the busiest travel corridors between Canada and the U.S. It was closed for 24 hours last month following a https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/u-s-nerves-still-raw-after-deadly-rainbow-bridge-crash", "layout_section": "in-page-link"}" data-evt="click" data-evt-typ="click">fiery car crash on the U.S. side.
