Indian nationals have emerged as the largest group facing deportation from Canada in the opening months of this year, surpassing Mexican citizens and accounting for nearly one in every three removals.
Fresh figures released by the Canada Border Services Agency show that 1,712 Indians were deported between January and March, making up 32.5 percent of the total 5,260 removals during this period. In comparison, 743 Mexican nationals were removed.
This marks a notable shift from recent trends. In 2025, Mexicans represented the largest group with 4,837 removals, while Indians stood at 3,779, contributing 16.3 percent to the total of 23,160 deportations.
Although 2025 recorded the highest number of removals overall, early data for this year suggests the total could decline if current patterns continue.
Officials indicate that part of the spike in deportations involving Indian nationals is linked to cases connected with extortion related violence. It is also the first time since 2020 that Indians have topped the list, when 1,424 were removed compared to 1,391 Mexicans out of 12,858 total cases.
The trend may persist in the near term, as Indians also represent the largest share of pending deportations. Data shows 6,980 Indian nationals are currently in the removal process, accounting for just over 22 percent of the 31,482 cases in progress.
In its annual summary, the CBSA noted that 841 removals were tied to serious inadmissibility, including concerns related to national security, organized crime, human rights violations and criminal activity, though it did not specify nationalities for these cases.
The agency also highlighted the role of its liaison officers stationed globally, who intervened in 5,889 instances to advise airlines against allowing passengers to board flights to Canada due to questionable travel documents.
Being removed from Canada does not automatically bar individuals from returning, but the process has become significantly more expensive. In January 2025, the Canadian government revised its fee structure, raising costs from roughly 1,500 Canadian dollars to more than 12,800 Canadian dollars for escorted removals, and to over 3,800 Canadian dollars for unescorted cases, regardless of destination.
