Over 100 demonstrators gathered on Rexdale Road in northwestern Toronto to protest the Canadian government’s “racist immigration” policies that target what they believe is the “migrant community”, and arresting, detaining and deporting them.
The general public’s reaction to the immigrant raids, 2009
In 2009, the Canadian Border Services Agency conducted simultaneous raids on many homes and businesses in the Ontario area to arrest and detain 70 immigrants, who were in violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Canadian Border Services Agency is a federal agency that was created in 2003 in the movement of the Canadian government emphasizing national security after the 9/11 attacks. This raid was conducted to reveal the violations of many immigrants and unravel the possibility of human trafficking. This account not only reveals the injustice incurred on the immigrant population of Canada, but also the public’s reaction to these injustices.
Following the raids held by the CBSA, the community held a rally, voicing their disagreement with the raids. One particular social activist group, No One is Illegal Toronto, held an “Emergency Action” protest in Toronto that was supported by over 100 demonstrators. This activist group is a loosely connected international campaign that represents non-resident immigrants, who risk deportation.
Many believed that the Canadian government’s ability to detain an immigrant needed to end and the mistreatment of immigrants needed to stop, as Canada is a country reliant on immigration. This article by Carolyn E. Price not only identifies the enforcement of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, but also reveals a justified response held by the Canadian community following the direct mistreatment of immigrants. Price writes this article with the mindset of appealing and speaking to the concerned public of North America.
Gavin Lewis