Crossing Into Uncertainty: How a Simple Wrong Turn at the Canadian Border Entrapped Asylum Seekers

Just before 5 p.m., the siblings emerged from a lengthy immigration hearing in downtown Buffalo, visibly exhausted from the extended court session.

With dusk settling and strong winds sweeping in from Lake Erie, Victor and Johanna got into their black SUV and followed Google Maps directions aimed at guiding them back to their home in Syracuse, New York.

Taking an exit ramp, they veered right without paying close attention to the signs overhead, missing a blue notice indicating entry into a federal inspection zone.

In moments, they realized the gravity of their error. Victor, a Colombian asylum seeker who had spent the day contesting his immigration status in court, was driving onto the Peace Bridge, heading straight toward the Canadian border — with no option to turn back.

As they neared the security checkpoint on the opposite side of the Niagara River, a patrol vehicle pulled up beside their SUV. Victor noticed the word "Canada" emblazoned on the side of the car.

The incident occurred on Thursday, February 6, shortly after the new U.S. administration began intensifying its immigration enforcement efforts.