Canada returns 3 foreign nationals to US after illegal border crossing

HAMILTON, Canada

A Cuban national and two other foreign nationals were caught after crossing illegally into Canada through the Fort Erie railway bridge, Canadian police said Thursday.

"On April 13th, 2025, three foreign nationals were spotted crossing into Canada via the Fort Erie train bridge to a waiting vehicle on the Canadian side," the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said in a statement, adding that one person was arrested immediately, and another ran but was caught shortly after.

"A third migrant managed to enter a waiting vehicle, and while fleeing the scene, nearly struck several of the RCMP Border Integrity Members who were responding. On April 23, the migrant, along with the driver of the vehicle, turned themselves in to police," said the statement.

The migrant, Alexander Cardenas from Cuba, was taken to the Peace Bridge port of entry. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) found him not eligible to stay in Canada and returned him to the US.

The driver, Yenny Justo, is Cardenas' wife. She was arrested and charged with dangerous driving, conspiracy, and failing to report to border officers. She was held for a bail hearing in St. Catharines.

"Our Border Integrity Officers work with our CBSA partners, 24/7, enforcing Canada's borders," RCMP Superintendent Dale Foote said in the statement.

Abeid Morgan from the CBSA added, "The diligent work of our inland team led to the identity and location of the subjects in this case."