An Iranian, who is a resident of Canada with alleged ties to terrorism, was deported from New York by US authorities to face assault charges in Canada.
The deportation, by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), deemed the individual a "national security priority" due to suspected activities that pose a threat to national security.
The identity of the deported individual remains undisclosed, and crucial details pertaining to alleged terrorism connections and the specific assault charges in Canada have not been made public. This has led to lingering questions about the process through which the individual obtained permanent residency in Canada, especially in light of apparent security concerns.
The person's attempt to enter the US on October 10 via the Rainbow Pedestrian Walkway in Niagara Falls was denied by US border security. But two days later, he was apprehended for illegally entering the US near the Whirlpool Bridge Port of Entry in Niagara Falls.
In November, ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) issued an expedited removal order. The deportation to Canada was executed under the Safe Third Country Agreement, with the individual handed over to Canadian Border Services Agency authorities.
ERO Buffalo Field Office Director Thomas Brophy commented about the deportation, stating, "The return of the Canadian resident to face charges in Canada is a result of the dedicated efforts of officers on both sides of the border working collaboratively to ensure public safety in our communities."
The Safe Third Country Agreement, integral to the US-Canada Smart Border Action Plan since December 2004, mandates that refugee claimants seek protection in the first safe country they enter, unless they qualify for an exception.