Canada Hands People Over to ICE: Refugees Face US Detention
Refugees Rejected at Border Face Uncertain Fate
Canada is handing people over to ICE, as seen in the case of Markens Appolon, a 25-year-old from Haiti. After being denied entry into Canada four and a half months ago, he now resides in a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. His journey to safety had been disrupted by the chaos of gang violence in his homeland, and he hoped to reunite with his family in Montreal. However, Canadian officials have sent him back to the US, where he faces prolonged detention and uncertain prospects. “Every day that passes, my mental health deteriorates further,” Appolon said, reflecting on the emotional strain of being separated from his family and the world outside.
“Canada is participating in this. Canada is handing people over to ICE.”
The Safe Third Country Agreement Under Scrutiny
The Safe Third Country Agreement between Canada and the US has come under increasing scrutiny, with critics arguing that it no longer ensures safe asylum. Appolon sought protection under an exception to the policy, which allows for claims in the first country of arrival, but his case highlights the risks. Immigration lawyer Erin Simpson called the situation “shocking,” noting that Canada’s role in this process underscores a growing concern: the country is now facilitating the deportation of asylum seekers to a system perceived as less humane. Legal experts question whether the US meets the standards of a “safe third country,” especially as prolonged detention and deportation threats rise.
Recent legislative changes have intensified Canada’s focus on asylum claimants, making it more difficult for those denied entry to remain in the country. The March 2026 law added stricter criteria, including tighter rules for family reunification. As a result, more refugees like Appolon are being handed over to ICE, creating a dilemma for those who once relied on Canada as a refuge. “The consequences for him couldn’t be more serious,” Simpson emphasized, pointing to the broader implications for Canada’s refugee policy.
A Struggle Beyond Borders
Appolon’s story reflects a growing trend of refugees being denied entry and handed over to ICE. He reached the Quebec-Vermont border in December but was rejected due to the absence of his aunt, a Canadian citizen. While the policy requires family ties within Canada for eligibility, critics argue this creates a loophole that undermines asylum seekers’ rights. Appolon’s case has sparked debates about the fairness of such requirements, with some calling for greater flexibility in the approval process. “They should have given his aunt time to return,” Simpson said, highlighting procedural challenges that refugees now face.
For Appolon, the handover to ICE marks a significant shift in his life. Once a hopeful student in economics, he now finds himself in a detention center, watching life continue in Canada without him. His experience underscores the emotional and psychological impact of being denied refuge, even when the circumstances of his journey are clear. “You see life continuing, but you’re stuck here, unable to participate,” he said, capturing the sense of displacement that many refugees now endure.
Canada’s Changing Refugee Policy
Canada’s approach to refugee claims has evolved in recent years, with stricter enforcement and fewer humanitarian exceptions. The Safe Third Country Agreement, once a reliable tool for processing asylum seekers, now appears to have unintended consequences. Appolon’s case illustrates how the policy can leave vulnerable individuals in limbo, especially when family ties are uncertain. Immigration lawyers report a surge in similar cases since Trump’s return to the White House, with refugees increasingly being handed over to ICE after initial rejections. This shift has raised concerns about the country’s commitment to its international reputation as a sanctuary for those fleeing persecution.
While Canada maintains its image as a compassionate nation, the reality of its current asylum system is more complex. Appolon’s uncle had supported his initial entry under a Biden-era visa program, but without his aunt’s presence, the opportunity to claim asylum vanished. The handover to ICE highlights how policy changes can disrupt the lives of those seeking safety, even when their stories are compelling. As the debate over Canada’s role in this system continues, the fate of refugees like Appolon remains uncertain.
