Canada is not Minnesota, minister says in response to U.S. immigration raids

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said Canada adheres to Charter values and due process in immigration removals and declined to judge U.S. enforcement actions after raids in Minnesota. Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew raised the Minnesota operations at a first ministers meeting.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said Canada is not Minnesota and declined to pass judgment on recent U.S. enforcement actions. He emphasized that Canada’s immigration removals follow Charter values, the rule of law and due process. The minister noted Ottawa removed more than 22,000 people last year and described those removals as compassionate and humane. His remarks followed intensive enforcement operations in Minnesota that have prompted large protests. Key points: - Anandasangaree said he would not opine on U.S. processes and stressed that Canadian removals adhere to Charter values and due process. - U.S. enforcement operations in Minnesota this month have prompted large protests and the reported deaths of two Minneapolis residents. - The minister said cooperation and intelligence-sharing with U.S. agencies has continued, and Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew raised the events at a first ministers meeting. Summary: The comments reflect a diplomatic strain but officials reported that operational cooperation between Canada and the United States continues. Undetermined at this time.