Warehouse raided under immigration act
By: Louie Rosella
The Mississauga News
May 7, 2008 06:06 PM –
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has arrested 45 people on immigration warrants following a raid of a Mississauga warehouse yesterday morning.
The CBSA, with help from Peel Regional Police, raided SDR Distribution, a logistics firm, on Matheson Blvd. and made the arrests.
CBSA spokesperson Anna Pape said the workers are alleged to be in violation of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and face removal from Canada.
“The end goal is removal from Canada because they entered into the labour market without authorization,” she said.
Peel Police Cst. Samantha Nulle said police provided “perimeter security and logistical support” as CBSA officials went through the business and took workers into custody.
The arrests came as a report from Canada's Auditor General Sheila Fraser revealed the CBSA has lost track of 41,000 illegal immigrants, and this is “jeopardizing the integrity of Canada's immigration program.”
Public Safety Minister Stockwell Day commended the CBSA for the 45 arrests..
“This large-scale operation protects the integrity of our immigration program and reinforces the security and prosperity of Canada,” he said.
“The Government of Canada continues to take this issue very seriously and remains committed to ensuring that those who wish to live in Canada do so according to our laws and by respecting the proper legal channels.
lrosella@mississauga.net
