The head of the Canada Border Services Agency expressed her view that the current scenario of crossing the Canada-U.S. border is not more challenging than in the past, despite a surge in electronic device searches by U.S. customs last year. Erin O’Gorman mentioned that thousands of individuals are crossing the border daily, whether via land or air routes.
While acknowledging anecdotal reports of American border officials scrutinizing phones, O’Gorman highlighted that there has been a notable increase in searches of electronic devices by U.S. customs officers. The statistics from U.S. Customs and Border Protection revealed a 17.6% rise in device searches to 55,318 in 2025 from 2024, and a 32.4% increase from 2023.
Specific details regarding the percentage of searches at the Canada-U.S. border or Mexico-U.S. border were not disclosed by CBP officials. Last year, the Canadian government updated its travel advisory to caution citizens about potential scrutiny from U.S. border patrol officers and emphasized the discretionary powers of these officers in permitting entry.
When questioned about the border’s security compared to previous years, O’Gorman affirmed that the border has been and continues to be secure. Data from Statistics Canada indicated a roughly 25% decline in Canadian residents returning from the U.S. in the past year, whereas research from the University of Toronto’s School of Cities suggested a more significant drop of about 42% in cross-border trips.
In response to the Ebola outbreak, the Canadian government announced temporary border measures, including the suspension of immigration documents for residents from high-risk Ebola countries for 90 days. Affected individuals without symptoms are required to quarantine for 21 days upon arrival in Canada.
O’Gorman explained that the screening process at Canadian airports will involve travelers answering specific questions related to their travel history, with a focus on regions affected by the Ebola outbreak. The CBSA will collaborate with public health officials to oversee the quarantine planning for individuals flagged during the screening process.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel confirmed Canada’s coordination with the U.S. and Mexico regarding travel restrictions due to the Ebola outbreak, emphasizing alignment with the World Cup host countries. As Canada prepares for the FIFA World Cup, O’Gorman emphasized the importance of a cohesive North American perimeter to streamline border policies for individuals.